Happy 2019!
Guys, I'm so excited for the new year and am working on a lot of big changes behind the scenes that may be coming in 2019 - including a new website, new gallery sites, new EVERYTHING! It's going to be a ton of work but I'm dedicated and have so many ideas, dreams and goals for this little business of mine. I cannot wait to start really transitioning and telling you all about it!
But first, let me just say 2018 was really one of the best seasons of my career. I am so grateful to each and every one of you for putting your faith in me this year as your photographer. I've met so many amazing people, people who are gracious, kind, supportive, and just beautiful souls in general.
I'll be doing the "Best of 2018" in segments, up first is Weddings.
Next week: Engagement Sessions!
Then, Family + Seniors! <3
This wedding season was one of my favorite seasons yet, they're all amazing really, but I feel that I had a tremendous growth this year both as a person and as a creative, so it's been really fun trying new things and coming out of my shell a little.
Okay! Enough babbling, let's get to the photos!
In no particular order, here's my 2018 Wedding Review:
(Some of these may be duplicate images, I was trying to do this while also entertaining my toddler and I don't know if you ever tried to multi-task with a toddler but I can tell you: it is not easy, haha!)
Thank you so much for an amazing year!
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8.25.18
Take a look back at this fabulous August wedding! Ashlee + Johnny were the epitome of my ideal couple; they made me laugh, were super laid back + easy-going, always appreciative + my favorite (although I'm biased) they were down for pictures at ANY time + did not allow setbacks to overshadow their day! The results: phenomenal!
What a blessing to have worked with them!
Venue:
http://www.hotelblackhawk.com/
Now booking 2019/2020 Weddings! ]]>
8.4.18
Keller Brick Barn
Dallas Center, IA
All the wedding goodness from this gorgeous event at the Keller Brick Barn in Dallas Center, IA!
What a beautiful event, amazing couple, and wonderful experience!
Thank you again so much for putting your faith in me as your wedding photographer!
Namaste, my friends.
xoxo
CB.
Considering me as your wedding photographer?
I've made a huge decision to significantly limit the number of weddings I take each year!
Fill out the contact form to learn more information about Crystal Broussard Weddings!]]>
7.28.18
Courtney replied to me today after I sent over her gallery and stated that her and Phil were just getting on the plane to fly home from their honeymoon.
I love that!
Here's a look at their wedding day! <3
Have you found the wedding photographer for you?
Know a friend who is getting married - share this post with them & reap the referral rewards!
I'll give you and the couple you refer each$50.00 towards photography services, you can either gift your $50.00 to the couple if they book - or keep it for yourself! <3
xoxo
CB.
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7.14.18
Just finished uploading the files for this wedding! <3
As promised, here's a larger blog post for you:
Enjoy!
xoxo
CB.
P.S. 2019 is booking up! If you are interested in having me photograph your wedding, please contact me today! <3
]]>Some days, I appreciate the nostalgia of “Facebook Memories”, other days I hate them and then some days I learn something about myself just by understanding where I was when those memories were posted.
I think it is important to remember that no matter where you are in life at this very moment, there was a time that you thought you would never be where you are right now.
Six years ago, nearly to the date, I left my “full-time” job and at the time I said this was to pursue photography full-time, though that wasn’t entirely accurate.
The truth of the matter was, I made more money at my Mon-Fri job than I did on my weekend gig as a photographer at the time. And although I made the decision that upon quitting I would put my heart and soul in to my career as a photographer, that is not why I quit.
I quit because I knew I was replaceable in the wide scheme of things and more importantly, I was not happy.
I was working Mon-Fri 9:00PM to 5:00AM with a five-year-old and a two-year-old at home. I’d worked third shift from the time that my oldest was four weeks old. I endured losing the night-time bonding routine with my babies because of a job that could easily replace me.
I remember feeling at my wits end. I could not afford daycare and I even if I could have, I had a difficult time justifying daycare solely so I could sleep. For several years on end, I averaged approximately 4.5 – 5 hrs. of sleep a night, if I was lucky, after spending most days awake for nearly 20 hours at a time.
In June of 2012, I decided to request being moved to second shift. I’d worked Mon-Fri on third shift for five years for that company and with small children at home and felt that aspect alone was all the justification that I needed to request a different shift.
The lack of sleep impacted my work tremendously. It did not matter that for four years I was always early to my shift and always took every single call and was a great employee for that company. By the end of my final year there all of this was irrelevant, I was showing up late and that is entirely out of my character.
If you know me personally, you know that to be on time is to be late, and to actually be late… is a nightmare, for me.
The fact that I did not care, the fact that I would sleep until the last second that I could, told me that I needed something to change in order to get back my mental health.
So, I sat down in my supervisor’s office and … did something else completely outside of my character: I started bawling. I felt guilty because I was not the only person working this shift with children, but I had no help. All my family lived out of state and as I stated, we just could not seem to budget daycare, which in hindsight was likely our own fault but that is irrelevant today.
I do not cry in front of anyone. I’m very particular about vulnerability and those who have seen me cry are pretty few and far between, it makes me feel like I’m not strong enough to endure whatever life has thrown at me, so being there in her office bawling and pleading to please move me to second shift, was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.
When they came back with the excuse that “second shift will not change your sleep, therefore sorry but we cannot move you”, (which is literal BS, btw… it was a difference of being able to be up from 8:00AM – 11:00PM and sleep at night as opposed to being up from 8:30PM – 3:30PM and sleeping for 5 hours until my next shift – which is what I did with two toddlers at home – that is a LONG time to be awake with two small kids, or in general… I was losing my mind, basically. But I am not saying they should have catered to a single employee’s hardship by any means, they had every right to say no. But their excuse sucked and was not logical at all, imo.), I chose to walk away.
And that was the BEST decision I ever made for myself and my family.
I remember the morning after they informed me that they would not allow me to move to another shift, I waited for my then husband to get home from work and I explained that I could no longer do it. If I had to find a different job, fine… but I couldn’t do it anymore and that if I did not quit this job, I worried for my mental state.
I was, in every sense of the word, depressed.
I didn’t even really know that I had slipped in to a depression or that this was what was happening until I came out on the other side of it.
During that time my house was messier than my home had ever been and I weighed sixty pounds more than I do today. All I did was wish I could be sleeping, I was irritable and most days I felt like I was putting too much on my plate. When I was not working this job, I had sessions and weddings on the weekend for my photography business. I was working months on end with no day off and was not allowing myself any time to rest.
I wanted this photography thing so badly that I could not quit it despite that doing both was quite possibly killing me.
When I sat down and looked at comments from clients, messages from those I had photographed who thanked me for their portraits, who encouraged me to continue pursuing this solely because they supported me, I knew that if I gave up photography for the job in which I was not only irreplaceable at but that was unwilling to work with me, that I would regret it.
I can say though, with absolutely certainty: I do NOT regret quitting that job.
And being a small business owner in an over-saturated field is not always easy. Sometimes it is downright stressful and can even make you feel like a failure at times but the majority of the time, it’s amazing.
My point is, six years ago, I barely believed in myself. I had tried convincing everyone around me I could do this but at the time, I did not even believe it myself.
You have to understand that at that time and throughout my marriage: I made more money than he did. (I am since divorced and that is a whole different story on doing things we fear for the sake of our sanity.) So we were losing a HUGE chunk of our income at the time and it was a real risk to take. But when I look back, that alone was the reason I stayed unhappy in so many aspects of my life for so long: worrying about finances.
But there is always ways to make money. You do NOT have to be unhappy doing it..
Where I am today is something I could not have even dreamed of having six years ago and it took stepping in to the unknown, jumping straight in to a pool of fear to accomplish what I have now. And it has not always been easy, there have been times in which I have felt completely defeated and much like I was treading water and going nowhere.
This is what motivates me to continue pushing forward as a small business owner in a highly competitive field.
And this is what keeps me motivated on a person level. We sometimes need to give ourselves more credit on our journey through life. Understand that there have been hardships in which you’ve pulled through and came out not only unscathed but in a better position than you were before.
So, if I have any advice to those of you out there on any kind of personal journey it’s to think back at a time in your life that where you are now was a place you only wished about and understand that someday you just may be looking back on today years from now thinking the same thing.
Never give up. And always always pursue what you feel is best for your soul, even if that means having to step foot in to the unknown.
Enjoy your day today.
Crystal B.
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K a y l a + J e f f
6.16.18
These two have been a blessing to work with since day one and Saturday was no exception. In my opinion, if you can endure portraits in a 100 degree heat index and spend the bulk of your day outside in it without complaining ONCE, you did your wedding day right.
I've talked on here countless times about focusing on what matters and what you have to be grateful for when things do not go quite as plan. I'll assume that Kayla and Jeff did not plan for it to be quite that hot when choosing an outdoor wedding, but did they let it put a damper on their day? No.
And that is how it should be!
I want to thank you both so much for putting your faith in me as your wedding photographer, it's been a pleasure and a blessing getting to know you and an honor to have worked with you. Thank you so much for being the laid back, kind, people that you are. You make my job so much easier!
Thank you!!
Enjoy!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
563.554.1032 | [email protected]
Vendors Involved in making this day extra special for Kayla + Jeff:
Primary Photography (Shown Here) - Me, Crystal Broussard
Second Photographer - Jody Robinson
DJ – Casey Hofmaster, Iconic Entertainment (Dixon)
Florist – Weeds (Dixon)
Dress – Marien Mae Bridal (LaSalle)
Caterer – Kevin Malach (Sublette)
Videographer – Dan Royer Photography (Dixon)
Cakes - Baker Street (Dixon)
Hair - Maggie Love Hair & Makeup
Makeup - Sara Fulrath Hair & Makeup
Bar Service - Tipsy’s
Thank you!
Now booking 2019 Weddings!
Special Perks when choosing Crystal Broussard Photography:
+ 9 Years of Experience Photographing Weddings!
+ 15 Years Photo Editing Experience!
+ Super easy to get a hold of!
+ Fast Turn-Arounds!
+ Seamless Quality from Start to Finish - I'll even show you a full wedding gallery w/your inquiry!
Call or email today!
563.554.1032 | [email protected]
6.9.18
The Stern Center
Rock Island, IL
Every couple who books with me is asked to fill out a questionnaire about their wedding day. In this questionnaire there is a section entitled "Tell me your love story!" In Lexie + Jared's questionnaire, Lexie wrote: "We are both older but feel our relationship is a testament to waiting for the right one in God's timing." And I remember reading that and already knowing that I wanted to share that sentence with you, because I believe that sometimes the Universe or whatever it is that you believe in always has your best interest in mind and sometimes we do have to wait for the right path for us to come along.
But, as they say: Good things come to those who wait.
xoxo
CB.
Venue - The Stern Center
DJ - SAS DJs
Florist/Decorations - I Do Events
Dress - Essence of Australia from Marian Mae Bridal
Desserts - Old Towne Bakery
Videographer - D Smith Films
Caterer - Bridges Catering (The Stern Center)
PhotoBooth - Master Entertainment QC Photobooth
Primary Photographer - Crystal Broussard Photographer (Me)
Second Photographer - Jennifer Wanicki
]]>I'll agree with this, to an extent, but I also believe that a good photographer will tell you the best lighting condition to photograph in and will try to find that for you.
I really wanted to post a blog about this but wasn't entirely sure how to word this without it coming off a "certain way" or without it seeming like I was being pretentious over lighting.
In photography, the light can be an advantage or it can be a disadvantage.
So, I thought, how can I best describe the importance of trusting your photographer in this department?
& of course, the best way to is to just show you.
So, I took my daughter out at high noon lighting (a very common lighting situation on weddings) + photographed her in various positions at the exact same time, using the exact same editing software, and all photographed by the exact same photographer.
This is the result:
If you're in the midst of planning your wedding, this is something to consider. It's common to do outdoor portraits on the wedding day in this window of quote unquote "bad lighting", but where you take them will dramatically impact the outcome of those portraits.
If you're considering an outdoor wedding, you may want to check out the property at various times of day and see where the sun will be, what is shaded, when the sun is the brightest. The difference between a ceremony in full sun and shade is astronomically different.
The difference in temperature between a shaded location and full sun is upwards of 15 degrees.
And the difference in how you will look in those portraits is: PRICELESS.
There is no comparison.
Full sun is uncomfortable, distracting even.
Not to mention sweat, squinting, those poor men in their tuxes with long sleeve shirt underneath, and all that pretty makeup melting off your face. ;)
Use your property to your advantage.
Use lighting to your advantage.
& trust your photographer.
]]>
6.2.18
Koru Berry Farm
Homestead, IA
I’m kind of living for next-day edits. Initially I’d intended on posting these tomorrow… but how could I wait? When I was at this wedding yesterday, I had two words that incessantly kept popping up for me “Divine Intervention”. It was like everything went exactly as we would hope it to, over and over again.
Even when it started to rain, it lasted about two minutes… literally… and then when the sun was so bright that I thought the ceremony was going to be in full sun, the clouds came in and gave us the most beautiful backdrop ever, and when I thought a small wedding may not have as lively a bunch on the dance floor they gave me some of the best candid portraits during the reception of my career.
Everything about this wedding was, dare I say, perfect.
Before I get too wordy, I’ll just leave it at that, but first – I want to thank Caitlin, Sean, their wedding party, family and guests for their graciousness. You guys were amazing to work with, thank you so much for being so kind and inviting to me yesterday! This was one of the rare weddings in which even guests were thanking me for portraits, that almost never happens… you have some amazing people surrounding you!
And if you know me, you know I’m all about vibes. I believe strongly that what you give out, you get back and that if there is any day to have the “right” vibes, it is on your wedding day. You guys were amazing to work with, I cannot thank you enough for choosing me as your wedding photographer.
xoxo
CB.
Now booking 2019 Weddings, have nine years of experience in the photography industry and have been witness to over one-hundred “I Do’s”. Call or email today for a full list of wedding collections + a free consultation.
563-554-1032
[email protected]
xMeet the owners of Koru Berry Farm!
This new family operated venue in Homestead Iowa provides some seriously breathtaking views. The indoor venue itself is a perfect backdrop, they really considered everything when rennovating this venue! I love when fellow artists and creators follow their dreams. Artists are truly innovative individuals and with the return of small business, venues like this, ran by creatives are a true asset to modern brides.
As an artist, and not just photography, but as someone who started drawing the moment she could pick up a pencil, as someone who used to sit down for hours and paint and as someone who can draw realistic life portraits, I immediately noticed the artwork in this venue. When I commented on it, I was informed that all the painting was done by one of the owners and honestly, that made me fall in love with it even more.
This was only the second wedding to take place at this venue and I am so honored to have been a part of their beginning, because this is a venue I hope to see again, not just for the amazing backdrop and the photogenic views, but for the hospitality and kindness shown by the owners. These are genuine people, down to earth and have a wonderful vision for this property. I sincerely hope to photograph more events here!! ]]>
"Many couples admit that not spending more on photography is one of their biggest wedding day regrets—and we tend to agree. "
Yes times a thousand! Photography is a hugely important aspect of the wedding day!
In my opinion, and this is not solely because this is my career path, I believe that the photographer plays a very important role on the wedding day.
I believe that you do want an experienced photographer to handle those situations and I believe that this comes with a price tag.
Your photographer is the vendor you will end up spending the most time with on your wedding day, having someone who has experienced the wedding day flow often enough that they're comfortable within any possible situation or mishap is a true asset.
Now, there is a demographic for every photographer, there always will be... and that is fine.
But, I think we need to ask ourselves: why are photographers charging so little for one of the most important events they'll be photographing? And more importantly, why aren't the low prices a red flag?
The photographer I would give my left arm to have photograph my wedding starts out at over $5,000.00. And that does not include his travel.... and so many times I've sat and gone back and forth, stating "Should I save for him?"
He lives in Washington, DC. Books weddings all over the US and I would most definitely have to wait for him... but in my opinion, he's worth it. He's more than worth it.
In discussing pricing recently with my fiance, I said "I know that the number 1 reason I do not book all these inquiries has nothing to do with my body of work, it's the price tag attached to my body of work."
He said "Well, yeah... but what you end up with is clients who are booking you because you're a good photographer and not because you're cheap."
Then he made a valuable point, one that I honestly hadn't looked at from my own perspective of this "problem" in our industry and he said:
"Honestly, if I was shopping for something that important, I'd wonder why someone was charging so little for that service... and for me, that would be a red flag."
Something to think about. 
:)
<3
Currently booking 2019 weddings, call or shoot me an email to set up your free phone consultation with me today!
563-554-1032
[email protected]
5.26.18
Yesterday's wedding in Dubuque, IA!
Thank you so much for choosing me to be a part of your wedding day and for tackling that heat like pros!
Congratulations again!!
Please share this post w/your friends + family!
xoxo
Crystal B.
Vendors
Ceremony : Dubuque Arboretum
Reception: Grand River Center, Dubuque IA
Floral/Wedding Coordinator : Keith Rippe (New White Florist)
DJ: Alexxus Entertainment
Hair & Makeup : Fringe Salon
Cake : CandleReady
Videographer : Amanda Johnson
Photographer : Crystal Broussard Photography (Me)
Now booking 2019 + 2020 Weddings (Also have a few fall spots open in 2018)!
Weddings book quickly, call or email today to reserve your spot and receive a free consultation!
563.554.1032
[email protected]
Iowa Engagement Portraits
This one deserved a blog post, because I just couldn't condense it!
We had initially planned this session for last weekend and the weather was all over the place, even though I am not a huge fan of rescheduling, sometimes I know it is what is best + thank the Universe that we did because even thought it was ninety degrees, it was absolutely beautiful. We could not have asked for a better night and I am so so happy they trusted me on this.
Don't they look like they belong in a movie? Gah, so much fun!
Thank you guys so much for a wonderful day, I had so much fun chatting with you both and with your mother Liz, it was such a pleasure finally meeting you all (& Wesley!). Please share this post with your family and friends!
Cannot wait for your winter wedding! <3
xoxo
Crystal B.
P.S. I am booking 2019 & 2020 weddings right now! Call or email today to set up your free consultation! ]]>
These two won a free engagement session with me and we had so much fun!
It's too bad they aren't taking me with them on their destination wedding, I tried!
xoxo
Crystal
]]>
I'd wanted to include everyone, but there are just so many of you that I could not fit everyone in one post!
To ALL the mom's I've photographer, including the ones not in this post: Happy Mother's Day!
]]>Bailey + James
Venues:
Sacred Heart - Moline, IL
Davenport Country Club - Davenport, IA
Wedding Planning + Design:
Tamara Wendt Events
Videographer:
MI Studios
]]>5.5.18
When Rebecca and Scott first approached me to photograph their wedding, I knew I had one of two choices A) turn down a wedding solely because it was my birthday or B) take the opportunity to work with an amazing couple at a beautiful venue with wonderful vendors. Clearly, I chose the latter and truly feel that a wedding like this is a gift to me as well.
What I loved most about this wedding is that they wrote their own vows and speeches that were not only eloquently articulated but also apparent as to how much they love one another. I’m a sucker for details, I’m a sucker for things that are well thought out and I’m sucker for a good love story. When a couple writes about their partner in a way that expresses a certain level of gratitude, you know that this is a strong foundation for a beautiful relationship. I already knew that both Rebecca and Scott were people who, either with or without their own knowledge, practiced gratitude often. They thanked me throughout their day, were incredibly patient, understanding, and easy to work with. They made sure to tell me happy birthday, even relatives of theirs wished me well and it meant a lot to me that on their special day they took the time to also acknowledge something special about my day as well.
What I love most about working with Rebecca and Scott is that while they seem to know when to be care-free and have a good time, they are also detail oriented and know exactly what they want. This balance of being both laid back and simultaneously meticulous is something I can relate to a great deal. I often feel as though my laid-back personality provides the illusion that I may not know what I am doing or may just wing things and see how it goes, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. While I am confident in going with the flow of the wedding day, it has not been without years of experience and I’m still quite meticulous even when going with the flow.
I’m a strong believer in that “like attracts like”, I believe that whatever you put out into the universe is what you will get back from it. Therefore, I’ve really come to admire my more meticulous clients, the way I see it is: the more meticulous they are, the more gratitude I should possess. Why? Because a meticulous client is selective about what they want and being chosen by clients who know exactly what they want is something to be grateful of because after all: they chose you.
Details are important to me and I believe that they are also important to Rebecca and Scott. They chose an amazing wedding planner: Tamara Wendt Events and I’m sure by now you all know how much I love Tamara and her team, but it is because I know that whenever I photograph a wedding and they are involved it is going to be beautiful and of course because everyone on her team is so wonderful to work with.
The fact that this couple put so much consideration in to their wedding makes it a true honor to have been a part of.
Rebecca, Scott, thank you so much for choosing me to be a part of your wedding day. I am grateful to have been a part of this event and to be among the vendors you chose to put your faith in to. You have been so gracious to me during this process and in return I cannot thank you enough. I wish you the best in your future together as a married couple and know the universe will continue blessing you.
Thank you again!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
Vendors:
Venue: The Outing Club
Wedding Planning & Design: Tamara Wendt Events
Floral : Chris Crow (Tamara Wendt Events)
DJ: Music Connection
Cake: Sweet Celebration McCausland, IA
Bakery (Pastries) : Jaarsma Bakery in Pella, IA
Hair : Pure Hair Studio
Makeup : Soderstrom, Davenport
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Here are some tips to help you plan for your upcoming engagement session with Crystal Broussard Photography!
1. Location!
I encourage couples to think of a location that is special to them or has meaning to them that they are not utilizing on their wedding day, but it is also important to have a location that is versatile and will provide variety without having to leave to another location. Occasionally I will photograph at multiple locations, but to cut down on time and to utilize our shooting time to our advantage I recommend one location.
When a couple is open to location, I will ask questions like “What are the vibes you’re going for?”, “Are you interested in a farm setting or trees/nature?”, “Are you looking for an industrial feel with modern architecture or a more classic look with dated architecture?” – etc. This helps to provide me with an idea of where the best place to photograph for you is.
2. Timing!
For portraits, I recommend either sunrise or sunset. Most sessions will take place at sunset. It’s important to remember the time of year in which the portraits are in and when sunset will occur. In the spring or summer, we will plan for a much later session while in the fall or winter we would plan for a much earlier session.
Often the time in which the session is scheduled for is crucial to the look of the portraits. Because of this we ask that you arrive fifteen minutes before your scheduled session so that we may begin shooting at the desired time. Being on time is a courtesy that will ensure the mood stay positive and uplifting.
3. What to wear!
I recommend wearing colors that are within the same color palette; matching but not wearing the same exact color. I also recommend avoiding any clothing that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsure, the key is to feel good in whatever you’re wearing so that your focus is not consumed by worrying about your attire. I also recommend up to two outfit changes and it is your preference on choosing two outfits. A lot of couples choose one casual outfit and one dressy outfit.
4. Hobbies, Activities, & Pets!
If you have any hobbies or activities that you do together or are heavily involved in, incorporate those in your session! Incorporating a hobby in to your session will give you something to do that will help ease the comfort of your photoshoot. If your pet plays a major roll in your life: bring them along!
5. Hair & Makeup!
Everyone wishes to look their best when their portrait is being taken and therefore I highly recommend hiring a hair and makeup artist for your engagement session. A tip would be to schedule your trial the day of your session! I know a lot of wonderful professionals in this department and would be more than happy to help you find the right makeup artist for you!
I hope you enjoyed these tips for your upcoming engagement session!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
Now booking 2019/2020 Weddings!
Phone | 563-554-1032
E-Mail | [email protected]
<3 Crystal Broussard
Have you found the wedding photographer for you?
Crystal Broussard is now booking 2019 weddings!
Call : 563-554-1032
Email : [email protected]
]]><3 Crystal Broussard
Have you found the wedding photographer for you?
Crystal Broussard is now booking 2019 weddings!
Call : 563-554-1032
Email : [email protected]
]]>4.28.18
(We’re going to do things a little different today. From now on I’ll be posting weddings to the blog as they’re much larger posts than sessions.)
I was standing outside with Brandon waiting for Ally to come out for their first look. He was pacing, looking at his phone, asking for the time, wondering if I had texted her to let him know that he was waiting out here for her and… right there was the definitive moment in which I grasped just how close they truly are.
I said “You know, it’s interesting… that the two of you apart are both anxious and nervous (Ally seems much more reserved in her nerves, but having met them before… I could tell she was anxious to see him) but I guarantee there will be a complete shift in both of your energies once she gets out here.”
And as soon as they were together, their moods completely shifted and they seemed to calm one another.
One of the things that I tend to pick up on, either as a human being or just having been present on hundreds of weddings and witnessed a lot of couples say “I do”, is when a couple is literally perfect for one another. There’s a synchronicity in the type of couple that has a twin flame vibe and these two definitely have that vibe.
I can tell that they are always there for one another and I can tell they truly care for another.
They’re both very down to earth and I may be wrong, but my take on having met them and worked with them is that it’s possible that Ally tends to be the one who keeps them more grounded and Brandon is the one who reminds them that it’s okay to be care free too because he kept making her laugh and breaking our ability to be “serious” with his sense of humor.
It was a very humbling experience, with many factors that certainly remind me why I love the power of a picture and how important it is for our memory bank, especially when those that we love are no longer with us. One person they made sure was not forgotten was Ally’s late father; Her mother walked her down the isle and her brother danced what would typically be the “father/daughter” dance with her, a humbling reminder that life is precious.
I’ve had so many moments in my career that remind me why I love this job and why I enjoy providing these “visual memories” for couples and their families. Experiencing these humbling reminders are just one of the many reasons that I feel the photographer plays such an important role on the wedding day.
Ally & Brandon, thank you so much for including me on your wedding day. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you and getting to know you both. I wish you both nothing but a lifetime of happiness!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
]]>
Can you believe this is the same location as yesterday's post?!
<3 Crystal Broussard
Have you found the wedding photographer for you?
Crystal Broussard is now booking 2019 weddings!
Call : 563-554-1032
Email : [email protected]
]]>
<3 Crystal Broussard
Have you found the wedding photographer for you?
Crystal Broussard is now booking 2019 weddings!
Call : 563-554-1032
Email : [email protected]
Book now before our new pricing!
]]>Now, I am somewhat of a creature of habit… so my likes and dislikes may never change, but my point of view is always evolving and I have some new fun “about me” things to share with you!
So, let’s get it started.
Who are you?
My name is Crystal.
(And this is an old pic...)
Weird facts about my name:
1. I am pretty sure I was named after a character on a soap opera…
2. My middle name is Danyel. My mom spelled it that way assuming I’d inherit her impeccable ability to misspell everything. Little did she know I’d develop a pretty stellar vocabulary… and I spelled my middle name Danielle for most of kindergarten… until one day, my mother saw it and said “Crystal, that’s not how you spell your middle name.” Ahh, irony.
3. For a while I didn’t like my first name and so I made my family call me “Dani” (based on my middle name). I guess I was going through a mid-adolescent crisis, luckily I overcame it.
Random Facts About Me:
1. I am a witty person.
I love to laugh, I have a good sense of humor and am probably funnier than I lead on … it just really depends on how comfortable I am with you, but I’m pretty quick witted, if I do say so myself.
2. I am an empath.
This is a newly learned term I’ve discovered on how I navigate through life. In a nutshell it just means that I am highly intuitive and vibe off the energies of others, good or bad. Which isn’t always fun, but the more I learn about empaths the more I grasp why I am the way I am… very compassionate, understanding, open-minded, emotional, etc.
3. I am a mother.
I have three beautiful children who I thank the universe for daily. My kids are all so unique and beautiful, each displaying something special to help me be a better mother.
My oldest son Gavin (11 years old) is wise beyond his years, an old soul. He’s gifted and has always been at the top of his class academically since he stepped foot in a school, recently he was accepted in to testing for accelerated learners and he’s definitely a source of wisdom and grounding in my life. He’s also very funny and always makes me laugh with his quick sense of humor and is definitely the most well-behaved of my three children. (Don't tell his sister I said that...)
Oh, and he’s been playing the drums since he was 5.
My daughter Chloe (eight years old) is a reflection of my younger self, I believe that she too is an empath and will be a very creative individual. She loves cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics and is naturally talented in all forms of physical art. She is deep and passionate, feels things very intensely and is a constant reminder for me that we women think and feel on a deep spectrum from a very early age, to be mindful of this when dealing with her peculiarities.
My youngest son Micah (18 mons) is a fearless sweetheart. He’s the baby, so naturally we all cater to his beckoning call and he has everyone (including daddy) wrapped tightly around his tiny finger. Micah was born premature and has been a fighter ever since. Though he’s tiny, he has a tenacious personality and does not seem to grasp the concept of danger. I’m not sure, but I think this is the one that is going to give mommy lots of beautiful grey hair!
4. I believe my other half is… my other half.
My fiancé and I are connected by some cosmic force, I can’t explain it and neither can he but since the day we met we have felt as though this is exactly where we were supposed to be. We are deeply connected to one another. When I met him, it was very easy to talk to him and very easy for us to get along, there was no effort in our approach with one another. I didn’t have to guess if he liked me. I wasn’t elusive and neither was he. We just connected, pretty instantly and have been together ever since.
(We REALLY need to do family pics...)
5. I suck at watching movies.
I cannot sit through a movie. I have a real inability, especially as I age, to just do nothing. If I’m watching a movie, I am definitely thinking of at least twenty things I could be doing that are probably more productive.
However, I haven’t missed ONE episode of the new Roseanne! I tape it though, so I don’t have to watch commercials.
6. But not video games…
In the winter, when I have an excessive amount of free time, there’s a constant battle over who gets the X Box. My favorite video game is Elder Scrolls.
7. I am honest.
I would be a horrible sales-woman if I had to rely solely on my ability to sell something and couldn’t use my work as a crutch. I feel like in order to be a good sales-person you have to have an ability to create a bit of illusion outside of reality. I’m way too real to do this, but what I’ve found is that ironically part of my sales pitch and what helps me as a business is that I’m authentic. So, it works out!
8. I meditate and have a goal to practice Yoga every day.
Yoga has become a huge part of my life, I cannot go a day without practice and it’s been such an opening experience. In February, I was struggling a bit with feeling grounded and was having a lot of moments of feeling kind of like I was on this roller coaster of emotions. As some of you know I was diagnosed with Guttate Psoriasis which covered about 40% of my body including my legs, arms, hands, and face. It’s still visible today and is one hell of a process to go through “curing”. The psoriasis really impacted my confidence. I was worried that people would stare at my hands wondering what was wrong with them or that it would overshadow my work if it didn’t go away before wedding season. I knew there was no over-night miracle when it came to this disease and it really impacted my sense of self-worth.
I decided that in order to quiet my mind from this incessant over-analyzation of my situation that I would start practicing Yoga which in itself is a mind, body, soul physical meditation. I made the decision to commit to practicing every day and I am now on 77 days in a row of practicing Yoga. And before I go to bed each night I listen to Chakra Balancing music and quiet my mind. I used to stay up until sometimes 3am, unable to sleep and constantly fretting about literally anything my mind could find that wasn’t “right” in my world, and now I comprehend that sleep is vital for my mental and overall health, so now my nightly routine consists of calming music or even calming guided meditations to help release some of that tense energy we pick up through out the day.
9. I like to write.
Exhibit A: Numbers 1 through 8. Haha!
With that, I think I’ll end this post here. The funny thing is I always go in to these writing sessions telling myself “Okay Crystal, you need to condense your thoughts!” And would you believe, this actually IS a condensed version? I’m long-winded by nature and I am trying to work on it, but it’s a process for sure!
I hope you like this!
Thank you for taking the time to read this,
Crystal B.
P.S. I am booking 2019 weddings and have already had to block out the month of May from my availability as I’m booked the entire month, so do be sure to contact me soon if you’re looking to book in 2019!
Many steer away from the parks commonly used, for fear of... I don't know, being ordinary? There have been all these challenges lately to take what would be considered a mundane backdrop and use it to your advantage, the same can be said with these "common" locations.
This was not our original location. We had other plans, but like the nature of being a wedding photographer: weather is unpredictable. You cannot plan for the "right" weather, a lesson I am surely learning as I delve in to exclusively photographing weddings and have spoken about on the blog.
It was supposed to rain.
So, naturally, I found them a location we could photograph at indoors - for free without having to pay for a reservation, like many other indoor locations in this area.
When I got there, it was snowing, and I was looking around outside going... "There's so much potential here."
When we went inside another photographer was using pretty much the best spot inside, naturally. And where I wanted to photograph, he would have been in the background, so I really wasn't feeling the indoors.
(Side note: No shade to the other photographer whatsoever, just so that is clear. In fact the other photographer was honestly so nice and even asked us if we needed anything moved to just holler, so please do not think I'm coming from a territorial standpoint. Besides, that's not my character at all.)
Finally after going back and forth with second guessing myself on where we should be shooting, I said "Let's go outside, the snow will make for great portraits."
So, I sent my soon-to-be bride outside in freezing weather in a sleeveless lace dress... and she killed it! (So did Sean, of course! But he wasn't wearing a sleeveless dress, thankfully... cause' that may have been odd, haha. Not that there's anything wrong with men in dresses, just to stay politically correct here, but Sean does not strike me as the dress wearing type, so you know.. that would have been weird.)
The point is, and immediately after I had blogged about the nature of "whatever will be will be", is that sometimes you should just trust your instincts. Trust your ability as a creative individual that you can produce great results regardless of where you are. So often we, myself included, get caught up in making sure everything is "right" that we are ultimately rendering ourselves from our potential to work under pressure and subject ourselves to knew challenges out of fear of failure.
And that statement stretches far beyond the realms of photography.
Trust your instincts & follow your heart.
If you don't succeed, at least you tried and now you know what doesn't work for the future, but man... if you do, you'll understand that you are capable of being innovative WHEREVER you are!
Check out this session:
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The other day, I was asked the question: “How do you determine how to get the photo “right”, every time.”
Just like anything, I think it’s an impossible standard to adhere to: perfection. I like to think I’m an entirely imperfect photographer, if I am being honest.
I don’t think on those terms.
I understand my camera and I know how to get a good picture. But I never walk in anywhere with a clear concise, “this is the way it will be” idea of what I will be photographing.
Although weddings can be predictable, they can also be pretty unpredictable. Sometimes, things do not go as planned, that’s the nature of subjecting yourself to something that you only have the opportunity to do once. (So invest in vendors who have experience with weddings. Hint hint, haha)
You can plan for a beautiful sunny day, but Mother Nature may have determined for you that this isn’t the cards.
So, when it comes to weddings: I have ideas, I even have back up ideas, but a lot of the time having NO IDEA creates the best result.
I am a documentary style photographer. I document what I see and I use my environment to inspire me. It’s that simple. There isn’t a whole lot of production behind my style and I’m not personally cut out for a big production, it’s not me.
I am a down to earth, go with the flow, speak when necessary kind of girl.
I am always honest. I will always say when something isn’t working (politely)… but I have also learned, through my trials with attempting to obtain the unobtainable (i.e. : perfection) that sometimes it is best to just work with whatever you’re given.
I’m a very meticulous person for someone who is so laid back. While I know what looks good and will tell you, I am also as equally easy going, it’s a weird dynamic but it’s a great asset for weddings because I don’t allow the unexpected to render my capability of getting the job done.
As brides (& grooms, heyohhh) it’s important to spend your time focusing on what will go right: you will definitely marry the person you love that day, you will definitely have your family and friends there celebrating along side you, you will definitely wear that dress (or tux!) and look darn good in it and you will have made all the necessary steps to make this wedding as you as possible.
But if it doesn’t go as planned, don’t focus on the little things… focus on the big picture.
I’ve seen many a bride fret over the smallest things and I have had to be the cheerleader a few times over saying “Hey, you are getting married today – let’s focus on that!” I’ve seen brides cry over the rain, more than once, and I understand having this idea of how it’s supposed to be in your head.
But if you give up the idea of how you feel it is supposed to be and understand that truly what is supposed to happen and the only for sure thing will be: you’re getting married, you’ll look beautiful, and the people who matter will be there for you.
The rest, is up to the universe, not you.
So, what if things do not go as planned?
You’ll still be married, as planned.
You’ll still look stunning, as planned.
You’ll still be surrounded by loved ones, as planned.
Everything will be as it is supposed to be. You just need to focus on the aspects that truly matter and everything will be just fine.
And if all else fails, we (your wedding vendors) have hopefully had enough experience with weddings that we can help set your mind at ease and that you can just “don’t worry, about a thing - every little thing, is gonna be alright…”
We got you.
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]]>“No one can be that positive.”
“It’s an act, no one is that positive.”
“Blah blah blah, mushy positive nonsense.”
Why have we become so reluctant to positivity that we’ve placed inside our warped little minds that being positive is a cloak to a hidden agenda?
That, to me, is the actual nonsense.
For the last fifty days I have practiced Yoga every single day. Every day I have dedicated at least thirty minutes to myself. Almost every day I listen to calming music and try to meditate before bed. Every day I remind myself to practice gratitude and to avoid unnecessary conflict. Every day I have taken the time to practice embracing myself, to accepting myself, to trusting myself, to loving myself and to the belief that there’s more to life than incessant conflict.
It doesn’t have to be conflict with other people, it can be as simple (or as complex) as conflict within our own mind. Consistent over-thinking. Consistent over-analyzing. “Over-thinking, over-analyzing separates the body from the mind.” (Yes, I did just quote TOOL, haha.)
It’s that incessant chatter inside our minds.
It’s telling ourselves we aren’t good enough or we could do better, worrying if someone likes us or if they don’t, without just letting it be. Without trusting the process, without realizing that every single time we’ve encountered similar setbacks, similar concerns, similar conflict that the same exact outcome happened every single time: we either made it out alive with a lesson or we totally over-worried for no reason whatsoever.
This is where I encourage you to let it simmer.
If you find yourself in this routine of constantly battling your mind, putting yourself down, worrying what everyone thinks of you, dealing with any kind of struggle at all… just take a moment and rationalize your thoughts. Let them simmer a moment. Grab from the endless experience pile stashed inside your brain and find a similar experience, then think about the outcome, then think about how in hindsight to today… was it really that big of a deal?
If it wasn’t (and it wasn’t, because you’re still here and you made it out unscathed), then let go and focus on the outcome rather than the conflict. Focus on the absolute certainty that whatever is conflicting you in your life will not last forever and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
I promise you, it works.
In January of this year, my family was really struggling. There was so much conflict within our home that there was this incessant tension, literally every day. It was during this time that I just thought to myself “it does not have to be like this.” I was upset on what seemed like a daily basis, I felt trapped and although I’d been there before… I was too wrapped up in the feeling of that moment that I didn’t remind myself that “this too shall pass”, even though I knew it would.
Then one day, in the midst of some serious personal struggle, I just told myself I’d had enough of … well, myself. I’d had enough of consistently thinking things will never look up, I’d had enough of putting myself down and allowing one issue to take root and grow in to more issues. I was fed up with consistently feeling down.
It was also at this time that I was diagnosed with guttate psoriasis, which still covers about 40% of my body and is most visible to others on my hands. I’ve had someone ask me if I was burnt, I’ve seen people stare at, I’ve had children flat out ask me or tell me I have “red bumps” all over me.
I literally felt like everything I had been feeling on the inside was now manifesting itself outwardly and I finally decided I needed some inner healing. This is when I turned to Yoga, this is when I turned to meditation, this is when I turned to repeating to myself that I am okay and reminding myself of everything I already had to be grateful for.
At first, it was difficult. Some days I thought it was silly, other days I thought it was futile and ironically those were the times in which I had the most set-backs. (Thoughts become things, you know.) But man, when my daily mantra became “Trust the process and DO NOT give up.” … Total game changer.
For the first time in my career as a photographer I brought in more income before wedding season than I have ever in my career. I booked more weddings before wedding season than I have ever in my career. I stuck to a “fitness” routine for more consecutive days than I have ever. I significantly reduced the appearance of my psoriasis through relentless self-control and daily attendance to my skin. The battles in my home are fought solely on a need-to basis and everything else is forgotten. It’s not dwelled on, it’s not stored to fester, it’s just plain not allowed to take root. Period.
For the first time in my life, I have been able to truly declutter and focus on what really matters. I completely dismiss any invitation for gossip or negative conversations. I seldom spend time on Facebook, more than to just post, because through this process I’ve been able to really comprehend that Facebook especially has the potential to create negative emotions we never would have planted without seeing it in our news feed. Having a presence on social media is a part of my business and so I have to post here. And well, encouraging less complaining and more positivity makes Facebook seem like the best place to start, if I’m being honest.
All I’m saying is, is that if you’ve noticed that you’re constantly surrounded in conflict or what you see as “bad karma” or it seems like the world is just against you, maybe contemplate if it is less about your surroundings and more about your view of the world around you. I don’t think most things are as bad as we possess the ability to make them out to be. Try a different approach.
Spend less time having expectations of the world or people around you. This places you in a position where everything you want is just out of reach and leaves you constantly focused on wanting more or not having enough. Wishing is futile, BELIEVING is key. Believe that everything will be okay. Believe that you are worth it. Believe that your life doesn’t HAVE to be a place of conflict… and… soon enough your perception of the world around you will change too.
I promise.
Namaste my friends.
Crystal B.
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I N T R O D U C I N G
PROPOSAL SESSIONS THROUGH CRYSTAL BROUSSARD PHOTOGRAPHY
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What is a proposal session?
A proposal session is hiring a photographer to capture the moment you propose to your significant other!
How do we set up a proposal session?
My favorite way to set up a proposal session is to keep my presence a secret. We can set up a location and time in which you’ll be taking your significant other somewhere to propose. While at location, I’ll be close but seeming as though I’m not at all associated with your presence there. Then, when you propose, I’ll capture the moment!
You may also act as though you’ve set up a couple’s session with me as a gift or surprise for your significant other and then propose on the session.
How much is a proposal session?
A proposal session is $300.00
This includes: Photographing the proposal, having a small session after (or before, depending on how you set the session up) of portraits of just the two of you as well as anyone else involved with the surprise.
All the edited digital files & a print release.
An online viewing gallery secured with a password to share with your family & friends.
An announcement post on social media, posted at your discretion, to share this moment with everyone!
What are the benefits of a proposal session?
If you book a proposal session with me, I will give you 10% off any wedding collection if you choose to book me for your wedding!
Are you ready to propose? Contact me today!
c| 563/554-1032 + e| [email protected]]]>
Six years ago to the day I sat down and poured my heart out in an emotional post. I was exhausted, hopeless, feeling stuck, and considered by society's standards as "obese".
I talked about how I was working at a place that exhausted me, I worked third shift with two young children and their father worked first shift. It was difficult for me to justify having a sitter while I slept, so I didn't.
I had already begun my photography business but it was no where near lucritive and I didn't believe I could support my family on that income.
My then self didn't know that only four months later, I would quit a job that paid me over $15.00 an hour and put my soul in to a career as a photographer.
And she would have never thought it would actually pan out and that one day she would not only be helping support her family with her business but would end up supporting a family of five by herself with that business.
Seeing the words I wrote then confirms my belief that everything will come full circle and before you know it you'll be looking back on the person you once were wishing you could give her a glimpse of your future, but understanding she needs to take the journey.
This realization comforts me in today or any day in the present in which I feel any sense of failure or hopelessness. Knowing there's a future version of me, a woman who will have grown from now until then, who will look back on today thinking how much she's grown, is oddily comforting.
]]>It’s hard to even imagine being here now, I’d have never pictured my life to turn out the way it has. Nor that someone with my level of anxiety would surround herself with hundreds of people ever single year and actually love every second of it. It’s a crazy world, full of complex concepts… but photography has helped me grow as a person in more ways than I can even begin to articulate here (at least, not without boring you). And it is sincerely because of those of you who put your faith in me every year.
So, thank you!
Thank you for choosing me to photograph this time in your life. Thank you to my “regulars” who come back EVERY year! And thank you to everyone who booked me in 2017! You guys are amazing!
This was by far one of my favorite years as a photographer!
Here’s to a new year, but not without first taking a look back at some of my favorites from 2017!
Cheers friends! Enjoy!
Xoxo
CB.
I love this wedding! As I was editing these, I knew that I wanted to provide a broader look in to their wedding day. All of our plans for portraits were derailed because of the rain, but these two handled it like champs and we ended up with some truly unique portraits as a result of the unexpected weather conditions! Enjoy!!
Thank you again so much for choosing me to photograph your wedding day! <3
Venues:
St. Anthony Parish - Davenport IA
Rhythm City Casino - Davenport, IA
Photographers:
Primary: Crystal Broussard
Second: Jennifer Wanicki
]]>Enjoy!
xoxo
CB.
]]>Side note: I wanted to start a story time series in which every week I share a little story with you about this industry, about myself, about anything really. I sat down today trying to think of a topic I could share with you and I kept going back to wanting to share the first wedding I ever photographed and how I made it past my feelings that night. This is less about having a bad experience and more about overcoming the things holding us down as well as a precaution to couples booking a wedding photographer. Enjoy & look for more story time posts in the future! Xoxo – CB.
I remember going in to this wedding absolutely terrified yet simultaneously feeling like I had taken the appropriate measures to prepare for my first wedding. What I learned very quickly is that weddings are the most difficult events to photograph … period. I had grossly underestimated just how difficult photographing a wedding would be.
Even though I had begun to realize that it was quite possible I had bitten off more than I could chew, I rented better camera bodies and better lenses. I even rented them early so that I could have time to play around with them and try to grasp the settings. I photographed in every possible lighting condition (or so I thought) and wrote down the settings for each condition. I tested my off camera flash at least twenty-six times (yes, that’s a completely made up number) and asked a friend to accompany to help ease my anxiety.
The night before the wedding I could not sleep, my anxiety had me up all night and all I could think about was feeling like a fraud who should not be photographing this event.
I had already defeated myself before I even gave myself time to succeed.
In the morning, I tried to prepare myself in the best way possible: pep talks, reassuring myself that I could do this, going over possible scenarios in my head and how I could execute any hiccups, but I learned very quickly that NOTHING can prepare you for hiccups in a wedding if you have no experience with weddings.
Now, in hindsight, I will say that had I not prepared in this way the results would have been a thousand times worse.
I walked in to that church in the morning and instantly felt my defeat. With my notepad in tote lined with every possible lighting condition, except of course for the INSIDE OF A CHURCH, I quickly realized that I should not have been photographing this wedding.
Ironically, this is now one of my favorite churches to photograph in.
But, it is a dark church. It’s dark, it’s yellow, and it required a skill I did not possess to be photographing there: EXPERIENCE.
I couldn’t believe that I had wrote down all these settings in several different lighting conditions and now here I was sitting in this dark yellow church and none of those settings worked. This realization set me up for a snowball effect of problems. The entire day from that point on was Murphy’s Law… or maybe just inexperienced photographer in over her head law?
The worst part of the day was family portraits and formals inside the church. I had prepared to photograph with off camera flash for the formals. But instead of setting up my equipment before ceremony, I set it up when I needed to start and I couldn’t get it set up right.
I was so nervous that I began to shake and my friend looked at me and said “Crystal, you need to caaaaaalm doooooooown.”
I was standing there messing with this device, shaking uncontrollably, with a wedding party of fourteen people and room full of their families staring at me. My face was ten shades of red and I wished in that moment I could have been anywhere else but standing there at that moment realizing I should not be the one photographing this moment they will never get back.
(Random fact: The only reason I feel I can share this in as much detail as I am, is because this couple has since divorced… …. Which hopefully had nothing to do with their wedding pictures….)
That was the point in the day in which downhill had pretty much plummeted to rock bottom and there was no getting it back.
At the reception I felt like I had no idea what to do once the main events were finished. I’d never shadowed or second shot at a reception before in my life (I’d only been present for ceremonies and creatives) and I remember feeling like I was bothering the couple by asking them if there was anything they wanted photographs of. And I remember leaving feeling like they didn’t like me and that everyone knew I had no idea what I was doing.
(Another random fact: Years later, this bride hired me for a small family session with her sister and I will never forgot the shock and amazement I felt when I saw an inquiry come in from her. I had convinced myself there was no way she’d ever hire me for anything ever again.)
I walked out of there and all of the anxiety that had been progressively bottling up throughout the day came in waves of uncontrollable tears and feeling like a complete fraud. The first person I called was my mother (because mom’s solve all our problems) and I distinctively remember telling her “I will never photograph another wedding ever again. This was the worst day I have ever experienced.”
By the time I got home I was bawling. And not like simply crying, like hyperventilating trying to catch my breath between gasps and sobs type of bawling.
And when I edited their portraits, I probably dropped 40 hours in to trying to correct my mistakes.
And they were still …. Not so good.
The point is, I didn’t give up. But I learned that wedding photography is no joke and having known my experience with my first wedding as an inexperienced photographer, I believe it is important to be an advocate against new photographers taking on weddings with no experience. Which is not mean spirited in any way, it’s just knowing my own experience and wishing I had a better understanding that I was not ready to take on weddings.
I know now that I should have been a second shooter for AT LEAST ten weddings before I ever took one on myself.
The possibilities of things that could go wrong are limitless. Without the experience, the likelihood of bombing an event you cannot re-do is very high and way too much risk – especially in this day and age where forgiveness is a dying trend and people are quick to slaughter your name for feeling wronged – it could kill a career. Just. Like. That.
Today, I am never fearful walking in to a wedding. I’m never concerned that I have not photographed in a location because I have photographed in the worst possible lighting conditions in some of the darkest churches in Iowa, much darker venues than the ones at my first wedding.
So as I wrap this up, my advice to brides looking for a wedding photographer: experience matters. And yes, you will pay more for experience but it is the experience that will ensure that your wedding photographer can handle any situation and more importantly the less they are worrying about things going wrong the more creative they can be.
My advice to new photographers or photographers who want to make their way in to the wedding industry: second shoot first. This was my biggest mistake. I photographed two weddings with another photographer before taking on my own. Two. And two was not enough. More importantly, if you second shoot first you’ll quickly know whether or not this is for you and if you want to pursue a career in wedding photography. There exist MANY photographers who will photograph everything except weddings and it is because of the risk involved.
Sorry this was slightly more long-winded than anticipated, but if you know me… that’s kind of my thing (I’m working on it!!) & I hope you enjoyed the first installment of this series!
Have a blessed day!
xoxo
CB.
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]]>My favorite room in my house is my bedroom because this is the room that allows in the most light. The rest of the house has been set up with light-reducing blinds, an apparent remedy to keep an old home without central air cool. And maybe there is some sort of psychological connection between my obsession with light and the fact that my career path revolves heavily around it, but any time I am feeling on edge, upset or down I go to this room full of light to collect my thoughts and ultimately let in the light, which I’ve associated with positivity.
I’ve been obsessed recently, or over the last couple of months, with Oprah’s Soul Sessions in which motivational speakers provide a small segment on spirituality, positivity, and life in general. One of my favorite speakers has become Gabrielle Bernstein who wrote the book “The Universe has your Back”. Her advice speaks to every fiber of my being and since listening to her I have noticed some consistencies with what she has to say about freeing yourself of the resistance you put on your life through fear and negativity and I thought sharing my own experience with this would possibly help someone somewhere to understand the power of perception.
Gabrielle expressed a quote in one of her sessions that has helped me to understand my own patterns of thinking and how I can work to better myself by surrending myself to the things in which I fear and I’d like to share this quote with you.
The quote is by Jalaluddin Rumi and it says: “The wound is the place where light enters you.”
Sometimes the things that hurt us were brought in to our life to teach us something and how we choose to perceive that is entirely up to us. And more importantly the amount of time we allow it to continue hurting us, the longer it takes to comprehend its lesson for us. You are the only person responsible for your happiness. Let me repeat that…
You are the only person responsible for your happiness.
And your sadness. And your regret. And your guilt. And your anger.
So I want to share with you the consistencies I've noticed when it comes to perception and I hope that this will resonate with at least someone and you will begin your own healing and understanding of the way your energy impacts the world around you.
Have you ever noticed that the people who complain on a daily basis always have something new to complain about? It is like each day there is something else that has gone wrong. They are seldom expressing what makes them happy and are often spending way too much time personifying the entire essence of a Debbie Downer. They never discuss what they’re grateful for. They never spend time acknowledging the good things, instead they always have a complaint of some sort. Well, I believe that the reason all this negative is being brought in to their life is because that is what they’re asking for. And I don’t mean that they are “getting what they deserve”, I don’t believe this for anyone. What I mean is that because all of their energy is so focused on what could go wrong or what is going wrong their perception of the world around them is creating a very hostile, negative environment every single day. In a sense they are manifesting their very own living hell simply by they way they perceive things.
Perception impacts your very existence. And I believe this because I have been there and I want to share a story with you, to show you that I am not coming from this place of happy shiny rainbows and butterflies where everything is pure joy all the time. In fact, I believe I have a long way to go but… I also believe I have come a long way too.
I believe that the beginning of my negative outlook began at childhood. And one of the most important relationships I overcame in my life, the one that I believe impacted and molded many of my insecurities and issues becoming close with others, was that of the relationship with my father. As a child it is a lot harder to look at the world with a more open mind and comprehend the flaws in which he possessed. Or, flaws as I saw them at that point. The one thing I have learned is that most people are not that bad, they simply have the wrong look at life. My father left me waiting for him with my bags packed when I was barely old enough to comprehend a reason why and it happened often, so often my mother finally began to stop telling me he was coming to protect me from being hurt further. I was a child looking at these families with daddies trying to comprehend why mine “didn’t love me”, which is what a child will naturally assume when their parent chooses to let them down.
For the longest time, I combated these feelings with him. Many of our conversations came from a place of hurt. I spent time searching through family members, friends, directories, etc trying to find his phone number when he’d changed it again without letting us know and when I finally found him I was so angry with him that all I did was begin blaming him for all the hurt he’d put on me.
However, today I am thankful for this pain. Because I believe that without it, I would not have the perspective of the world around me that I do today. I wouldn’t fully understand that the best way to overcome pain, is to surrender to it and to no longer allow it to spoil you. And let me just say, this did not happen over-night. I was still in my early twenties crying myself to sleep wondering how anyone could hurt their child in that way. Before I realized that it had made me a better parent to my own children, before understanding that it was not just him who was hurting me, it was me who was allowing myself to feel hurt by him and that is a HUGE astronomical difference.
So one day, I just … forgave him.
And I remember that moment like it was yesterday. One week I had been trying to get through to him in the same way that had failed every time before and then finally, I had decided I was done with it. I wrote him a message and I told him that I forgave him for everything that had happened in my childhood and more importantly I believed it. I was ready to stop fighting the things I could not change, to begin accepting him for who he was, and attempting to move forward. And finally something happened that I believe I need more than anything else:
He apologized.
He had never apologized before. I ended up getting what I needed when I finally allowed myself to accept it and forgive him. When I would finally find him, I would place all of my negative energy on to him, blame my reaction to his behavior on him and somehow expect a positive result. Each time I did this, he would fight back. It never gave me closure, it only hurt me worse and I never understood until years after I forgave him that my perception of the situation and the way I chose to respond to my pain was the reason it took so long for me to finally release the heaviness of that relationship and provide it with the opportunity to grow.
Since then our relationship is always pleasant. I’ve went from the person calling him out of the blue to bring him further down to the person who will call him out of the blue to remind him that he is loved and help him to view things differently. He may not have made the best decisions and he may not have understood the impact of a negative mind, he maybe even still doesn’t understand this… but, he is not a bad person.
After I finally had that “ah hah” moment about this relationship, which wouldn’t come for nearly a decade later, I then applied this to every relationship in my life. And when I was the one who had done the hurting, I forgave myself.
I realized that in order for me to have better relationships with those who came from a place of negativity, whether they were or my perception of them was, that I needed to be the place of positive. I didn’t realize this until this year actually. Any person who spent their time complaining who did not impact my life and who I realized was not a part of my story or my well-being I metaphorically and sometimes literally “unfollowed” them. And I did not fully comprehend that I had already begun this transition years before by removing the people who brought up negative feelings in myself from sight. I stopped checking in on them. I stopped caring what they were up to. I stopped comparing myself to them or thinking about them in general. And of the people I could not do this with, I stopped being combative every time I felt the heaviness of negativity.
At first, it was hard and I do still struggle with reminding myself of this on a daily basis, but I have however managed to allow myself not to dwell. When I am upset, I discuss it immediately mostly in private and seldom on a platform in which my negativity will take up permanent space and then I move on from it.
And so, my goal for you is to look at your own social media because this has become a place in which we speak privately, publicly and truly look at the message you are sending out to the world about who you are as a person. Our every word we choose to click “post” next to becomes a part of ourselves that we project on to others and are giving them as a perception of us. So I want you to look through your own page and if you are feeling down or upset, look at how much complaining you do or how often your posts are about something bad as opposed to something good and do me a favor... Get rid of it.
Just click "delete". It has more power than you may think, but what you are essentially doing is allowing yourself to rid yourself of all the negative baggage holding you back from truly understanding how to be happy. I believe that doing this was my first step to understanding how to live a more positive live.
Delete everything that is negative. And then… start to be more positive. Even if you are having the worst day ever, find something that went right and if you are one of those people who just simply must post something… post something positive. And then watch how doing this consistently changes your perception.
Every time I post something negative … which by the way is not nearly as often as when I am positive, but again you can post 100 positive things and people will fixate on that negativity like a bug to a bright light because it unfortunately has been conditioned to take up more space, I always hear this: “Crystal you deleted your post!” after any time I post a complaint.
Well, I used to … now I think people just expect it if they see something pop up that is a complaint. Because I am notorious for cleaning up the negative on my personal page. No. tor. i. ous.
And I don’t mind it. It helps me and that's really all that matters.
I don’t delete it because I changed my mind or that I did not feel whatever I felt in that moment. I delete it because it overshadows my positive and I’m not going to allow my negative to take up that much space or allow negativity to overshadow the perception of me placed on to others. What you project on to the world is what you will get back from it and the more I have allowed this belief in to my life, the more I see truth in it.
And if you are not a person who spends time sharing on social media, you can still do this outside of there. Every night before I go to bed, whether I am angry or not, I clear my head and think of three things: my goals for myself career wise, my goals for my family, and what I am grateful for from that day. I am someone who has suffered from the detriment that is anxiety my entire life, anxieties that for a while I convinced myself only worsen with age (which is further proof that the more often you focus on something, the STRONGER it becomes) and I used to lay awake every night finally allowing myself to bring in everything that had went wrong that day or everything that was going wrong in my life. I spent this time worrying, dwelling, and every morning I woke up, I faced the same problems and the same dilemmas and I still felt like there I was living in this perpetual state of Murphy's Law until finally I went to bed one night and decided I was NOT going to allow that time to be controlled by my anxiety, instead I was going to fight it like my life depended on it and then I chose to do this EVERY night. And then everything changed. And why?
Because we are responsible for our happiness.
Which leads me to the perfect quote to end this with, a quote I believe with all of my heart and is something that for years I’ve been working to mold in to my perception of the world around me and it goes like this:
“If you suffer, it is because of you. If you feel blissful, it is because of you.
Nobody else is responsible, only you and you alone.
You are your hell and your heaven too.”
xoxo
CB.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, I hope to begin blogging more often. If you like this topic and want to hear more, let me know! Or if there are topics you'd like to see discussed, I'm always open to ideas!! ]]>
Finished, uploaded, & delivered.
While editing these images all I could think about was how badly I wanted to share all the little details from this unique event.
Enjoy!
Thank you for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
We are currently booking 2018 weddings & have discounts set up for our remaining dates in 2017.
Contact us today to book your wedding!
]]>#1. Determine what is important! : Above all else, set aside three things that are the most important to you. It doesn’t matter what these three things are, this is your wedding, but think to yourself “what are the three most important aspects of my wedding day?” For instance, when I get married I’ve established that the three most important things to me are: My photographer, my venue, and my décor. I’m not personally as concerned about our attire, because I already have a basic understanding of what I’d like us to wear and it is going to be a small event. But, because I feel that the images are the most important this is why my secondary items must help achieve the overall look I am searching for with my photographs. Therefore, I need a good venue and the right décor, or the look I am going for may not be as easily achieved. But these are the things that I desire for my own wedding, what you choose is completely up to you. However, once you establish what those three things are, this is where the focus of your budget should be. It’s all up to you, but make sure that you know what is most important to you & focus your energy there, this way when you look back on your wedding you’ll not wish you had put forth more time in to the things you truly felt were important.
Bonus: I also recommend writing a list of all the things you’d like with your wedding and put them in a list of most to least important. The items at the top of your list are the items to put the majority of your time and money in to and the items at the bottom of your list are the items to put less focus in to.
#2. Do your research! : Contrast & compare, but not by price. Okay, maybe by price if you are on a budget – but be weary of all things “cheap” in the wedding industry because the saying is true “You get what you pay for!” Now, if you followed ruled #1, you can probably be lax on your budget for the things that are not as important to you. Let’s talk photography, since this is the subject I know most about. The biggest thing for me when choosing a photographer is the variety of their portfolio and the uniqueness of their portraits. Do they showcase images in multiple situations & conditions? Are they thoroughly showcasing their ability to capture moments throughout the entire day and not just outdoors? & most importantly how creative are their portraits compared to other photographers? For me, I want a photographer who can individualize my wedding. So I wouldn’t choose a photographer who displays the same basic posing and little to no candid or unique portraits and most importantly I'd look for variety & consistency. Are they showcasing several weddings & several lighting conditions? Or is it a lot of images with the same couple in the same lighting conditions? Variety says to me that they can work in any condition & because I know anything can happen on a day I cannot reschedule, this is very important to me! But this is all contingent again on what is most important to you.
There’s a huge misconception that this industry is over-priced and I can attest that this is just not true, it is priced accordingly to what the vendor has to offer you. Weddings are an event that cannot be redone or that you get a second chance with if you make a mistake, so the cost of the vendor is likely mostly surrounded by how well they can work under conditions in which they have little room to make a mistake. If a vendor is offering you the moon for the cost of a pebble, be cautious.
#3. Details! Details! Details! Personalize your wedding! : Incorporate things in to your wedding that are unique to you as a couple. For instance, at my own wedding I plan on hitting up multiple thrift stores for unique tea cups to use as centerpieces for banquet style tables (long rectangular tables) to incorporate a lightly themed Alice in Wonderland vibe because my fiancé is a huge fan. These types of things truly help to personalize your wedding and set you a part from the ever popular Pinterest wedding where all the ideas are similar and seldom hold any personal value to you as a couple. Truly use your imagination or brain storm together on things you could do to personalize your wedding!
Little things make a huge difference. For instance buying a non-plastic hanger to hang your dress on, instantly will create a better looking portrait for your dress. I’ve actually been considering buying my own fancy hanger as this is often something I run in to at weddings!
Oh and also, totally unrelated to details but equally important: have an emergency kit!! Bandaids, scissors, feminine products, deodorant, A SEWING KIT!, etc.
#4. Consider the “First Look” : Okay, even though I know how beneficial the First Look truly can be to the itinerary of the day, I definitely cannot say this is a must have, just a suggestion. I completely support the traditional aspect of the groom seeing his bride (and vice versa) for the first time as she’s walking down the aisle! However, if this is something you’re open to, I highly recommend it! First, you get even more portraits with just the two of you, so that’s the main bonus but you also can split your portraits up for your day and utilize time to your advantage. Most of my couples who incorporate the first look take care of all their formal portraits before the wedding. This puts them at a huge advantage for having time for creative portraits later as opposed to cramming a whole lot of portraits in a short period of time. Unfortunately it does take time to capture certain portraits and feeling rushed is never something we want on our wedding days! Usually when a couple decides to do a first look our itinerary has them photographing with their family before the ceremony, leaving all their wedding party and couple portraits for after the ceremony.
Most importantly, how I photograph a first look is to leave it entirely candid. I’ll give minimal direction on where the groom will stand and will have the bride make sure to walk all the way up to him (to ensure closeness/intimacy of the portrait) but other than that this is an entirely raw, candid moment between the two that lasts considerably longer than seeing one another at the ceremony.
#5. Cocktail Hour! : Oh gosh of all the things to recommend, perhaps this should have been higher on the list. Yes! Either a cocktail hour or hors d'oeuvres, something! The reason I recommend this is that it does not stick your guests just waiting for you between the ceremony and reception and gives them something to do. Now days, the new tradition, is that as a guest you expect to be waiting for the couple to get done with their portraits. This gives you an hour to utilize to your advantage and allow your photographer the time she needs to create those stunning portraits you hired her to take. (Hint Hint!) This is especially helpful if you do choose to remain traditional and not include a first look because almost all your portraits will be taken after the ceremony!
#6. If you can, hire a wedding planner! : This is something that not everyone can include on their wedding day, in which case I would recommend confiding in your vendors for advice – we are always (or should be) willing to help! But, if you can budget in a wedding planner, I do recommend! Planning a wedding on your own can be so overwhelming at times and a good wedding planner can help ease those feelings tremendously. My favorite wedding planners are the ones who double as coordinators and make sure the day runs smoothly, these are wedding planners who not only set you up with a preferred list of vendors but also are there the day of your wedding to help set up and make sure the day runs smoothly. Several wedding planners not only help you plan your wedding but also design and decorate your venue for you so that it is one less thing you have to worry about and they do this based on your personal taste!
Most importantly, they act as the "go to vendor" for all of the other vendors. Having a wedding planner can cut a lot of confusion & the wedding planner will know the role each vendor plays the day of the wedding as well as what their duties/responsibilities are - we all play a part, but the wedding planner can help to clear up any confusion on just what the role of each vendor is & more importantly can communicate with them for you on the day of the event.
If I didn’t already know the ins and outs of the business, I’d definitely be hiring one myself!
#7 Share your itinerary! : If you cannot afford a wedding planner, this is extremely helpful! I work with every couple on putting together an itinerary of portraits, in which I always recommend be passed around to everyone who will be present in photographs. However, you (or your wedding planner) should put together an itinerary for your entire event so that everyone knows where they need to be and when. This is so helpful in making sure that your day runs as smoothly as possible! When I first started weddings, I did not think that an itinerary would make that much of a difference. I, in my completely inexperienced brain, thought that going with the flow was the best route for me to take. Boy was I wrong, after the VERY FIRST wedding I photographed on my own I vowed to never photograph a wedding without coming up with a clear plan for portraits that we could all agree on. Luckily for me, my first wedding was a family friend, so when we were all over the place not knowing where to be, it didn’t reflect too poorly on me because they all knew me, however I still felt like things would have gone much more smoothly had I thought about putting together a timeline with them. Now, this is protocol to every wedding I photograph and I put these together with my couple so that we both are comfortable with the end result.
#8. Consider an Unplugged Wedding! : An unplugged wedding is a wedding that asks guests to not take photographs during the ceremony or during key events at the reception. We live in a time where everyone wants to document everything through their cell phone and not through the actual experience of things. Let your guests know you have this covered, you hired professionals who can take care of the portraits for you and they’re equipment and expertise far exceeds anything that could be captured via a cell phone camera. Not only that, guest photographers have the potential to ruin portraits and video that the professionals are there to take.
Now for me personally, I haven’t found that I truly prefer unplugged weddings but I have had guests step in front of me while trying to get a shot and have had their flash ruin portraits by overexposing my settings. But the one advantage I have found is that it makes for better portraits, instead of having a background with guests sticking their cell phones in the air, the couples just have their guests experiencing the moment with them. I have heard horror stories of photographers who had guests step in front of them as the first kiss was being taken, or minimal portraits because the client had so many guests using flash simultaneously. I had one wedding where a family member walked up behind the couple on the altar and photographed from there, they were undoubtedly in every portrait. Now, in most situations, if a guest is standing in front of me or is in the shot incessantly and it is meant to be a portrait of just the couple, I will just politely let them know. Usually this is no harm no foul and the guests seldom even realize they’re being obtrusive, so I wouldn’t say this is a must but if you don’t have a photographer who can gracefully deal with those kinds of situations.
#9. Take the time to take is all in! & don’t forget to eat! : As I’ve stated, I have photographed A LOT of weddings in my career and I have seen plenty a couple never sit down to relax. This is your wedding day, take a moment to truly soak it all in and enjoy it. And most importantly, eat that food you worked hard on picking out and making sure was just right! This one is simple, just take a moment to relax!
#10. Focus on what is Truly Important! : Say it with me “Whatever will be will be.” Of all the advice I have to give as a wedding vendor this is hands down the most important one, do not get so caught up that you forget to focus on what is truly important: you are getting married and you cannot redo this day. Do not allow unexpected hiccups to ruin your day. Nothing is more important than the fact that you are about to marry the person that you love. The last thing you want is for minor uncontrollable details to put a damper on your day. First of all, from a photographer’s perspective, if you’re upset or unhappy about something… you can tell in your portraits. And so you just inadvertently reminded yourself for the rest of your life that something at that moment had taken over the happiness and joy that is your wedding and now it’s documented forever in your portraits. Let it pass. If you must remind yourself a thousand times, do so… but never forget that no matter what happens, nothing is going to stop you from marrying the man or woman you fell in love with and nothing will stop you from celebrating that love with your family, especially not rain or a snag in your dress. So don’t let the minor hiccups take control over your day.]]>
This year I have received the most messages/compliments on this particular wedding & because I just finished editing their full gallery, I thought I would provide a more detailed look at this couple's wedding day.
Here is a more comprehensive look in to a full wedding with Crystal Broussard Photography.
Thank you again to all my incredible clients who have chosen me to photograph your weddings & to Emilee & Nick for being such a blessing to work with!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
]]>
I have been photographing this family for a few years now and I am so happy to see these two getting married!
Bianca & Michael are incredibly in sync (I really did not have to direct them much at all!) and always very down to earth!
So so happy for you two & I am looking forward to your 2017 Wedding!
Thank you for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
Enjoy your sneak peek!
]]>Looking forward to photographing your 2017 wedding!!
Thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
Enjoy!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
Looking so forward to photographing your 2017 wedding! It was nice finally meet you both, thank you for taking the trip up for your engagement portraits!
Enjoy!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
]]>10.22.16
I honestly do not think I could have ended the season any other way, this was the perfect wedding to end my year with!
Where should I start? I guess I could start with defending myself against the #1 question I was asked at this wedding by several guests:
"So, have you ever had a minister stop a wedding and tell you to move to the back of the church!?"
Let me just say that I have probably photographed nearly a hundred weddings by now and no, I have never been asked to move to the back of the church so that a ceremony may begin. That was certainly a first. However, I will say this and I am so happy that I have this to pull to my defense:
I asked him BEFORE the ceremony what his rules were!!
Before every ceremony I make it a point to introduce myself to the wedding officiant. I always ask the same question: "What are my rules?" At no point was I told that I could not be center isle, several rows away from the alter at the beginning of the ceremony and that I must move all the way to the back of the church. Ironically, we also discussed that he did not want the attention to be on me at any point. So believe me when I was slightly dumbfounded that he not only would not start the ceremony until I moved to the back of the church (even though we agreed on me not going passed the pews, which is my normal protocol) he ANNOUNCED it so that the ENTIRE congregation was paying attention to me.
But then again, he called Creighton "Cryton" throughout the entire ceremony after being told his name was Creighton several times. So I felt better and it actually made the ceremony a little more interesting than usual... for the rest of the night there was a running joke in which everyone called Creighton "Cryton".
But seriously, I want to thank each and every person who came up to me at the reception and made me feel 1,000 times better about this situation by letting me know that you were on my side. I appreciate it so much! I've never had a wedding reception in which I've had the opportunity to interact with so many of the bride & groom's guests and so in some odd way, it was almost a blessing to have been called out by the minister because it gave me something to talk about with so many people there.
This was one of the funnest groups I have ever had the pleasure of working with! I had an amazing couple with amazing friends and family and I sincerely could not have asked for a better group of people to spend the end of my wedding season with!
& hallelujah baby Micah was not born at your wedding!
We had some minor worries that my being almost 35 weeks pregnant photographing this wedding could end in disaster, I think it's safe to say I conjured up every possible scenario about this baby coming before or during this wedding but thankfully he's decided to stay put and I am so happy I was able to experience this wedding!
Thank you all so much! Enjoy this sneak peek!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
P.S. I do not have the second photographer's files yet and I KNOW there are a couple she took that you're anticipating seeing but I promise we will have those later! <3
And last, but certainly not least, the groom's brother Dalton (I apologize in advance if I am spelling your name wrong) INSISTED that I give him credit for these.... fabulous.... photos he took of me with Cristina & Creighton. Well, I have no quarrels with admitting that I did not take the following pictures... and because I am in the photos, I hope that's enough proof that these were ALLL Dalton's work of art!! haha. :)
Wish you guys the best of luck, thanks for an incredible experience! ]]>
We had this absolutely beautiful location for a sunset and as soon as we hiked up the abnormally long hill (okay, maybe it felt abnormal because I'm 8 months pregnant ;] ) the sun just decided to completely disappear on us! But we made it work!
Thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
Looking forward to photographing your 2017 wedding!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
]]>Class of 2017
It was so good seeing you guys!!
Best of luck to you Gabby!
Thank you again so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
]]>Looking so forward to photographing your 2017 wedding!
Thank you for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
]]>Class of 2017
Thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
]]>10.9.16
I am behind on time this morning as a football mama that has about 20 mins to spare before heading out to a football game and I REALLY want to say more about this wedding but also want you to be able to see the pictures too! I will come back and write about this, I promise!
Shelby, Daniel, Thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography to photograph your wedding!
Congratulations!
]]>Crystal Broussard Photography
Hey folks! We are offering some freebies for brides who book with us by November 2016!
Because October is my absolute favorite month of the year, (We get fall colors, sweater weather, Halloween and yes... I'll admit it: Pumpkin Spice!), and because I am taking November & December off this year to enjoy the birth of my son, I thought I'd do something to give back a little to the couples who book with me!
Depending on the collection purchased, couples may choose between receiving one additional hour of service, digital files from your engagement session, or additional $ to put towards print purchases!
The rules are simple:
In order to qualify, the couple must book their wedding with Crystal Broussard Photography in the month of October!
That's it!
We have collection options that will suit most bride's needs and would love to talk with you about your wedding!!
If you know someone who is looking for a photographer or if you are looking for a photographer, contact me!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
Ph. 563.554.1032
E-Mail: [email protected] ]]>
Thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!!
xoxo
Crystal
]]>10.1.16
I feel like the speeches in last night's wedding really summed up this couple. Admittedly, I had actually not met Nick until yesterday but having met Emilee I assumed that there was no way she'd be marrying someone who was not a pretty darn decent human being, so I feel like I have a little leeway to determine that the things their friends and family stated in their speeches is pretty close to accurate.
Emilee's father let us know that Nick traveled all the way to Arizona to ask for Emilee's hand in marriage (see, more than pretty darn decent). Emilee's maid of honor told us how beautiful Emilee is inside and out, which well we can all tell by looking at her that she is absolutely stunning to look at but really, her personality matches her natural beauty and that makes her even more of a beautiful human being. Nick's brother let us know that Emilee & Nick are the epitome of what true and genuine love consists of.
I have photographed probably over one-hundred weddings by now (I've honestly lost count), but when I heard Nick's brother discussing true love, I completely understood the type of love he was discussing and how genuinely rare it is. It's so rare that I have a handful of couples that I have photographed that I have seen & recognized that sort of unspoken synchronicity that comes along with that deep soulmate sort of love. Which is not to say that all the couples I photograph are not in love, there is just something a little different about those deep connections and I think it's easier to detect when your entire business is about love.
& Nick's brother is correct: Emilee & Nick have this.
Emilee wrote Nick something for him to read before they got married. I took him in a room away from everyone and then even though I initially had every intention of photographing him reading this note, I ultimately decided to not photograph him reading it. I don't know why, I just kind of felt like I was intruding on something sacred. Which is really rare for me, I am probably the most intrusive photographer sometimes... but I could just tell it was something that should be private. And when he walked out of that room, clearly having just cried over whatever Emilee had just wrote to him... I knew that I would have been intruding on his genuine response to her words.
One of Nick's only stipulations for his wedding day was that he did not want to see his bride until she walked down the isle. Now, for many photographers this can be nerve wracking because you then have to figure out how you are going to comfortably fit all the portraits in between ceremony and reception and not have guests waiting for hours on end. We worked it out just fine and I actually encourage my couples to not compromise their beliefs for portraits, so I always find a way to work around those who wish to remain traditional and when he saw he walking down the isle... I knew that waiting was perfect for this couple.
Speaking of nerve wracking though, the only thing I spent far too much time worrying about for this wedding was the size of their wedding party. I have been doing this for quite a while and I have never photographed a wedding party that contained twenty-two people. I did have one small advantage, my previous clients Erica & Sam were in the wedding party and I had worked with half of the groomsmen before, however twenty-two people is a lot of people to have to keep in check, especially when you are seven months pregnant and may not always have the greatest amount of patience (it's the baby's fault... not mine). But these guys were amazing! Emilee said to me "Do you think they did pretty good for as big of a group as we have?" I was like "They seriously did amazing!! I literally cannot believe it went that smoothly!" They had an amazing group of friends standing up there with them and this group completely changed my perspective on large wedding parties! So cheers to y'all because you guys were awesome to work with!
I'll go ahead and just apologize for the book, because I'm not done yet and well because I never write this much on a blog but I am actively trying to get back in to writing more about my weddings... so why not just go all out?
You probably noticed in the pictures there were some surprise guests at the wedding (yes, I am assuming you looked at the pictures before reading this, haha). Because Emilee is a Hawkeye fan and Nick is a Cyclones fan they had a dance off between the school mascots: Hawkeye vs. Herkey. I've actually photographed a few "house divided" weddings here in Iowa but I think this definitely took the cake on how to showcase their differences!
It was certainly an amazing wedding to be a part of. Emilee, Nick, I want to thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your wedding. Your families, friends, and other vendors were amazing to work with and I could not have asked for a better atmosphere at a wedding. Truly, thank you for allowing me to be a part of that! I hope you enjoy this sneak peek I provided for you, it was definitely difficult narrowing down the perfect portraits to share for you - you gave me so much to work with!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
Also, side note: I want to apologize for feeling faint during formal portraits and not really feeling myself. To the church, from myself and every pregnant woman there (there were an alarming number of pregnant women at your wedding!) : turn down your heat! WOW. ;) Once we got out doors, I was fine but that church was killing me! This has been a fairly smooth pregnancy but I am learning that on top of having some minor iron issues - heat is my worst enemy! So thank you for being so kind to me while I wasn't feeling the best and thank you Erica for feeding me!! You're the best. :)
Vendor Credits (will add to this as I learn more - I usually ask and forgot a couple.):
Ceremony: St. Mary & Mathias Catholic Church, Muscatine IA
Reception: University Club, Moline IL
Flowers: Flowers on the Avenue
Videographer: TKM Productions, Iowa City IA
DJ: RJS Productions, Hampton IL
Okay, Let's see these pictures!!
Images are best viewed from a Computer. You may also go in to the album "Sneak Peeks" under "Client galleries" and view the images individually in a larger format.
]]>Thank you guys for making my job easy this Saturday! Had so much fun shooting your engagement portraits and finally meeting the two of you in person! Hope you had a safe trip back to Wisconsin and I look forward to photographing your wedding next fall!
xoxo
Crystal Broussard
]]>9.17.16
It's not very often that I walk in to a wedding having never personally met the bride & groom. However, because Janet & Daniel live in Minnesota and were unable to do engagement portraits, such was the case for this wedding. This is usually pretty nerve wracking if I'm being honest, one of the reason I offer the engagement session in my wedding collections is for the opportunity to become better acquainted with the couples I work with, however despite that things went really well! Except for the bugs. ;) We definitely did not put "get eaten alive by gnats & mosquitoes" on the agenda for the day - but we made it through it and as a result we have some great portraits from their being troopers and sticking it out in a bug infested flower garden for as long as they could.
This was one of my six hour events and I have to say, these are becoming some of my favorite events. While I of course love and appreciate the clients who want every aspect of their day covered and have big lavish weddings, I also adore the small more intimate events. Small weddings are typically very laid back, with very little commotion or the feeling of being rushed, etc. Whereas larger weddings do occasionally have that overwhelming sense to them. Not necessarily to the photographer who is used to large weddings, but more so just the overall vibe can feel like we have a lot more going on than that of the smaller events. Some times the smaller weddings feel a little like a break from the chaos, if you will. This was the vibe at Janet & Daniel's wedding. Everyone was very easy to get along with, it was very down to earth and easy going. Just an overall good vibe!
So with that, I want to thank you Janet & Daniel for choosing me to photograph your wedding! I wish you both the best of luck!
Oh! & Side note, Janet said something that struck a chord with me Saturday when she told me to try to make her half as beautiful as the brides on my website, this was disheartening to hear and so I just want to say Janet you ARE beautiful! Beauty does not come with a manual, it is not a cookie cutter one size fits all category. Beauty comes in all shapes, all sizes, all types of personalities, all kinds of human beings from all walks of life, it comes from a million different things that I could not possibly begin to even list here and you my friend are no exception! Please remember that! <3
Also, I want to give a shout out to Janet & Daniel's wedding planner Brianne Ackerland of Stress-Free Weddings. Seriously one of the easiest and most helpful wedding planners I have had the pleasure of working with. Also, although this wedding was in Cedar Rapids, she is also based out of the Quad Cities as well. So my QC brides if you are looking for a wedding planner, definitely check her out! She is very helpful, not overly intrusive at all (which is my personal favorite type of wedding planner) and very easy to work with! I'll link her website below!
Vendor Credits:
Stress-Free Weddings (Wedding Planner) - Website
MUA - Robyn Ryan Make Up - Facebook
]]>I never post blogs this late or this quick any more, but I LOVE this family session. I should know by now that every time I get this group in front of my camera it's going to be a good thing. I have been photographing this family since their maternity pictures and I am so so happy they came back again this year for family portraits! I literally came home after this session and told my other half about this session and about Allie & Lee, I said: "You know, it's not very often that while I'm on a session I think to myself: if I lived closer to these guys, I think we'd totally get along well enough to hang out outside this setting." That is exactly how I feel about this couple though, they have always been super laid back, very easy to get along with and the bonus is that they all just so happen to be very photogenic too! Audie is an absolute doll and has been since the day he was born, those big blue eyes will totally steal your heart! Not only that, he's also incredibly well behaved and makes photographing him a breeze.
Thank you again so much for choosing me to photograph your family!
Please come back again and keep making my job easy for me! :)
]]>Absolutely adore these images of Bailey & James!
These high school sweethearts took their prom portraits in front of that gate and now they're taking engagement portraits - so I'm thinking that maybe we should have a pit stop wedding day and make the gate a true tradition for their life milestones!
Such a pleasure working with you two & meeting both your parents!
Enjoy! Looking forward to photographing your wedding in 2017!
<3
xoxo
Crystal B.
]]>Thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
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]]>Congratulations you two!
Thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
]]>& I LOVED this one so much that I thought I'd show you more portraits from their day!
]]>Was so fun being able to shoot inside the State Capitol building!
Congratulations on your engagement & thank you for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
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This was my first Jewish wedding & I think I'm in love! The tradition in these weddings is so unique and so much fun!
Congratulations again & thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!!
]]>It was great to see you Katie and your beautiful family! Keep up the good work, those are some great boys you have there!
Thank you again for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
]]>Finally got to meet this little Hawkeye fan, he was late coming in to the world and we had a crazy schedule and a silly pregnant woman afraid of the rain between us. (The silly pregnant woman afraid of the rain is of course, yours truly.) But finally I made my way up to Chicago to meet this little guy and oh my goodness what a doll. Sincerely the best facial expressions ever! He was of course wide awake the entire time I was there but sometimes you just have to let them run the show and roll with the punches. This is the most curious newborn I think I've ever photographed, he seemed so mesmerized by everything, adorable is an understatement!
Congratulations again to Jenna & Ben and the birth of their adorable little boy!
Thank you again so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
]]>Thank you so much!
Special thanks to Jennifer Wanicki for everything you did on this wedding!
]]>In all my years of photographing weddings, I have NEVER cried during a ceremony... until Cassy & Eddie's wedding. And I think I can say that, almost everyone cried when Eddie saw Cassy walking down the isle. I've seen many a groom react to seeing the love of their life walking down the isle, but never as genuinely heart felt as that of when Eddie saw his bride. Because this couple chose to remain traditional, one of the primary photographs they wanted was his reaction to seeing her. For a moment, I thought to myself "Is he going to look up? .... He's not looking up.." She was half way down the stares and he still had not looked up, then finally he looks up, shakes his head and looks back down. Eventually he looked up and watched his bride walk down the isle and the look on his face brought myself and nearly everyone there to tears.
There's something about the way in which couples interact with one another that you and anyone near them can tell that they are so in love. It's the type of love when no matter who is around, they are totally in tune to one another. That is the type of love that these two display.
I wish you nothing but the best and I thank you for choosing me to photograph your wedding!
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6.24.16
It's a very rare occasion that I feel like I am not myself at a wedding. However, on most events, I haven't been up all night the night before spending copious amounts of time getting sick. I hadn't been this sick in ages, we're talking down for the count, completely checked out, sicker than a dog (what does that even mean?) kind of sick. I've been so blessed throughout this pregnancy and have not had a single moment of morning sickness or nausea, so this was entirely unrelated to my current "predicament".
That said, wow! This couple and their family were so accommodating to the fact that I was a bit under weather. There were a couple moments when I had no choice but to sit down, despite loading up with fluids all morning and all throughout the day, my body was still re-cooping from being sick and ultimately, despite all efforts, I felt entirely dehydrated whenever photographing outdoors.
They provided me with water, allowed me to sit in air conditioning and consistently asked how I was feeling. They also incessantly thanked ME for my patience and I thought, no THANK YOU for your patience with me! I just wasn't myself, but had they not been so accommodating I would have been even farther from my game. We were still able to get amazing photographs and I am so excited to show you a sneak peek from their wedding day.
Thank you again Kaitlyn, Adam, and all of your family for being such a blessing to work with!
Also, side note: Every couple should check out "The Shoe Game" - what a cute game to play at a wedding!!
6.18.16
Congratulations Kelsea & Jake! Thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
Okay, Let me explain this portrait & why it's included:
Before the ceremony I was talking to the groom's mom, she had come in to check the time but stopped and made small talk with me in the process. Side note: very friendly wedding, the couple, the wedding party, their parents - everyone was very inviting. Just good vibes all around.
So, I'm standing there talking to her and she pulls up the time on her phone, sees it's 4:29 and gasps, then looks as if she's about to cry. I look at her somewhat inquisitively and she says to me: "Ever since my father passed I see the number 29 randomly pop up at moments when I'm stressed or just going through something, etc. When he was a little boy he thought the number 29 was so big, so he used to tell everyone: "I love you 29." So, that's so strange that I checked the time right when it was 4:29, I guess that sounds odd."
I told her that it didn't sound odd at all.
Sometimes there are things that we cannot explain and maybe they are merely coincidences, but to us... they're not. If seeing a number or smelling a specific smell provides you with a memory of your loved one, then I say embrace it and assume it's them saying "Hey, it's going to be okay."
I took a picture of it for her, because even though I know that she will probably never forget that moment when she looked at the time at her son's wedding and saw the number 29, she will now have a visual of it to keep with her.
Which is why I believe in the importance of a photograph - it's why I encourage brides to have their mothers help them get ready because someday these will be among their most cherished portraits of their mother or why I believe that if your parents are with you that skipping the father/daughter mother/son dance is silly.... because they provide portraits of people who will not last forever having a moment that does.
Think about that.
Additional Vendors Include:
Makeup - Ashley Ibsen of Made Up
Hair - Havoc Hair Salon
Flowers - Melanie's Flowers
When hiring a wedding photographer the primary reason typically falls on their style, you see a beautiful portrait of a couple on their wedding day and decide: “Yes! I want portraits like that!”
Beautiful portraits occur when one of two things happen.
1. We have cooperative clients.
2. Our cooperative clients set aside time for portraits.
Many photographers are very talented and some will likely refute this article by stating they possess the ability to create apples from oranges, however those of us who are honest realize that beautiful portraits cannot happen if you do not take them.
Most of my couples set aside approximately two and half hours just for portraits. We almost always begin with family portraits before ceremony and then creative portraits after ceremony. If we have a tight timeline, I will suggest setting aside approximately 10 mins during the reception for sunset portraits and most couples oblige, in fact some of my most beautiful wedding portraits were created in this 10 mins.
I stress to every client I photograph that time, lighting, and cooperation are key.
When you choose a wedding photographer, please keep this in consideration. If you are not interested in these type of portraits, let us know ahead of time and we can make sure it is something that both parties agree upon. While I always suggest things to my clients, it is ultimately their decision on how portraits go. That said, if these type of portraits are important to you setting aside time and being cooperative through the process is imperative.
I photographed a wedding this last weekend and it could not have ran smoother. They were extremely patient with me while I desperately tried to find the best place for portraits at their location, some locations have very little shade and I needed shade with where the sun was in the sky or I’d have a bunch of sweaty squinting wedding party members. They didn't fuss or rush me, they just let me find the best spot on the property for portraits. In fact, they were very cooperative, patient, inviting, and most importantly had fun with portraits. The bride and groom also set aside time during their reception to do sunset portraits and we created one of my favorite sunset portraits from a wedding to date.
Exhibit A:
This photograph would not have happened if they refused to take the extra time for some more individual portraits.
This could not have happened if they refused portraits, complained about portraits, rushed portraits, and did not want to take the time to create portraits. Atmosphere dramatically impacts your portraits. If time is not on our side and we must crunch to make the most of it, cooperation will save you here. However, while we may be talented we cannot pull a rabbit out of a hat if you refuse portraits and or are not cooperative.
Here’s the thing girls: Your dress will get dirty, let it! Do not waste your time worrying about the inevitable. It drags on the ground, it gets caught on things, it will be okay! Your hair looks fine, yes humidity is probably not your friend but zero portraits because of the weather is worse than sucking it up and letting it go! HAVE FUN!!! It is your wedding day!!!! Never waste your wedding worrying about things outside of your control. Whatever will be will be! Most importantly, never let the sun set on your sorrows – never let things like weather, timing, forgetting something, running a little behind, etc ruin your day! You will not be able to go back and redo it later and whatever mood you decide to display will surely be documented, make sure it’s the right mood!
Thank you to everyone who has booked with Crystal Broussard Photography.
In no way is this a reflection of my opinions based on one experience, just my feelings on how to help create beautiful portraits the day of your wedding! We are looking forward to photographing all of our remaining 2016 couples as well as 2017 couples and more than appreciate all those who booked before you!
Happy Wedding Season y'all!
* the photographs used in this article are not an indication that these were our ONLY cooperative clients, we have had MANY amazing clients, we just chose a few photographs to use for this article that coincided with the overall message! We appreciate ALL of our clients!!!! ]]>
]]>6.11.16
It's not often that I'm asked to photograph an elopement. Every time I've had a spontaneous booking, I've put myself in to a panic that not knowing the clients will dramatically impact the portraits... and it does but usually in a good way, seems like a LOT of my spontaneous bookings become some of my favorite photographs. I think it's safe to say that is also the case for Amanda & Eric's portraits - I'm thrilled with how they turned out!
Thanks again to Jennifer for referring me and Amanda & Eric for booking with Crystal Broussard Photography!
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I haven't photographed Jordan's family since her oldest daughter, Bell, was a baby! So happy to see how much your family has grown!
]]>Looking forward to photographing your October wedding!
]]>5.21.16
Congratulations Alec & Brea! Thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
]]>5.14.16
Thank you again so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
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4.13.16
You and I, we're not tied to the ground
Not falling but rising like rolling around
Eyes closed above the rooftops
Eyes closed, we're gonna spin through the stars
Our arms wide as the sky
We gonna ride the blue all the way to the end of the world
To the end of the world
Congratulations you two! It's been a pleasure getting to know you! Thank you again for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography.
]]>5.6.16
Congratulations again to you two! Thank you for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography.
]]>Engagement
Congratulations you two & thank you for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
Looking forward to your fall wedding!
4.23.16
Thank you again for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
Nothing makes me happier than when a former bride & groom come back for family portraits.
Jenna & Ben have decided to keep baby Krieger's gender as a surprise - so we don't know if they're going to be having a baby girl or a baby boy come this summer. But we can all make bets right? I'm thinking Team Blue, but I guess we shall see! Looking forward to meeting your beautiful baby this summer and I hope you enjoy your maternity sneak peek! Thank you again for returning to Crystal Broussard Photography!
]]>2016 Senior
This is my cousin Tyler, the son of one of my favorite cousin's Misty. The other day I called my mom on my way home from this session and told her that I had taken his portraits that day. I said "You know, he's a genuinely good kid... he had really great manners!" and she said "Yeah, Misty did really well with him." We just want to say that we are so proud of you for graduating high school and we wish you the best of luck in life. Misty, it's true... you did do a fabulous job!! We love you & cannot wait to see what the future has in store for you!
]]>4.9.16
So honored to have been a part of Brooke & Stephen's day, thank you again so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
Here's a sneak peek at this April wedding:
]]>4.9.16
It's those moments when your younger cousins begin getting married that you realize just how old you're getting... or that the older you get, the less of a gap seven years is. We'll go with the latter. When Stephen brought his fiance Brooke to our family thanksgiving and I heard wedding talk, I instantly introduced myself to Brooke as "Stephen's Wedding Photographer Cousin Crystal". Hint Hint. Thankfully, they hired me and I am honored to be photographing their April wedding. We've had a few changes along the way, but life is full of surprises - either way, I'm certain it will be a beautiful wedding!
Thank you again for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography.
Take a look at their Chicago engagement session.
^ Photobomb! Can you spot the photographer? ;) ]]>Looking forward to their June wedding this year.
Take a look at their engagement portraits taken in down town Le Claire:
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15 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
1. GENERAL – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
I wanted to put together a blog post that answers many of the common questions I am asked by couples searching for a wedding photographer. after a quick google search, i found some questions that I think would be beneficial for you when selecting a wedding photographer.
2. WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY STYLE?
I would describe my style as documentary or some may call it photojournalism. I believe that the purpose of my photography is to tell a story of the day from start to finish. aside from family portraits and a few formal portraits, most of the day I am photographing events as they happen with the only real guideline being the day's itinerary. this is how i personally prefer to photograph: candidly.
3. HOW MANY WEDDINGS HAVE YOU SHOT?
I believe I have photographed around sixty weddings, somewhere around there? i've photographed a lot of weddings!
4. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER?
7 years.
5. HOW MANY OTHER EVENTS WILL YOU PHOTOGRAPH THAT WEEKEND?
Very seldom do i have more than one wedding a weekend. I prefer to photograph one wedding and one session a weekend, however i do occasionally have a couple friday weddings every year and very few sunday events.
6. WILL A CONTRACT OF THE SERVICES BE PROVIDED?
Absolutely.
7. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PHOTOGRAPHER IS ILL?
This is where I personally feel adding a second photographer to the collection is a good idea, this way we already have a backup. however, if for some reason i am unable to attend your wedding - i will do my best to find a replacement. in most circumstances, i will photograph regardless if I am sick, something major would have to have taken place for me to back out on a wedding.
8. CAN I HAVE ACCESS TO A FULL WEDDING?
Yes! I love showing potential clients a full wedding, I offer a lot of portraits in my galleries and this is something i personally take pride in. i would love to show you a full wedding!!
9. DO YOU HAVE AN ASSISTANT?
I don't. but I wouldn't mind having one... maybe someday.
10. CAN I SHOW YOU POSEs I LIKE?
Sure! I do not use pinterest though, i know I have a pinterest page but it's been ages since I have used it, if you add me - i will not be notified. so, I always suggest emailing me a link.
11. WILL YOU EDIT ALL THE phOTOS?
Because i take more than one shot of most poses, no. i will choose the best shot of the ones i photographed and you will receive those. that said, i offer a lot of portraits for weddings and i always offer a black and white of each color edit as well. most of my 8 hour weddings have approximately 1,000 edits.
12. WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE? DO YOU HAVE BACKUPS?
I shoot nikon. my current primary is a nikon D610, i have several lenses, two flashes, and an extra camera body as well. just in case!
13. SHOULD MY EVENT LAST LONGER THAN SCHEDULED, WILL YOU STAY? IS THERE AN EXTRA CHARGE?
if it is only about 20 mins or so, i will not charge. however if you need me to stay any long than that, yes there is a charge for staying over and this charge is provided to my clients when booking.
14. WHAT ATTIRE WILL THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND THEIR ASSISTANTS WEAR?
i typically wear either dresses or dress pants, anyone shooting with me will be asked to do the same.
15. HOW LONG AFTER THE EVENT WILL THE PROOFS, ALBUM, ETC BE READY?
Because of the amount of weddings i photograph and the amount of editing that comes with this, it can be anywhere from 10-12 weeks on the busy end of things and occasionally longer if there are any unexpected set backs. however, i do provide a lot of portraits to my clients and when providing this many photographs, editing and shooting alone, this unfortunately does take some time. in months that it is not as busy, you can expect a much sooner turn around.
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]]>I have a lot of women approach me and in almost verbatim fashion, I receive the following sentiments regarding boudoir:
"I wish I had the guts to do that!"
These are great sessions to boost self-confidence and realize your worth! I've photographed girls of all shapes and sizes, so don't be afraid to love the skin you're in! Sometimes it's hard, I know... I'm right there with you being a woman myself, but these sessions are incredibly empowering! & plus your hubby or significant other would probably be a happy camper, just saying. smile emoticon
But even if you don't have anyone to gift to, don't forget that you can always gift yourself!
Every time I do these sessions I receive amazing messages from the women I've photographed, some even saying that the session boosted their self confidence and made them feel good again. We get so down on ourselves, being the analytical little gems that we are... That sometimes we forget to remind ourselves that we ARE beautiful and do deserve to feel good about ourselves!
& you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Boudoir does NOT have to be strictly lingerie, the location we use is perfect for Pin-up!
To top it off, we have an incredible hair and makeup team!
It's basically a win/win situation gals! Hit me up if you want to book one!
xoxo
Crystal
Details about the boudoir event:
Samples of boudoir:
Check out some of these lifestyle portraits!
]]>Wedding Highlights
Thank you again so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
Here are some wedding highlights from Nicole & Leo's wedding!
]]>Sneak Peek
Thank you so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography! Looking forward to this couple's June 2016 wedding.
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]]>Sneak Peek
Looking forward to photographing Anna & Zack's April wedding next year! Thank you again so much for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography
]]>Wedding Highlights
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This is me. I found a little fun semi-work-related questionnaire and thought it would be fun to fill out for you guys while I'm awaiting files to export from a session.
1. How did your childhood prepare you for your job today?
The dynamic in my household growing up was a combination of traditionalism and modern parenting. While my mother played the role of both parents in my household, I still spent a great deal of time with my grandparents. So in a sense, my grandmother domesticated me while as my mother provided me with what it means to truly be an independent woman & more importantly, to never settle for less than what you feel you deserve. However this also means that I am a fiercely independent human being and likely plays a major role in how I am as a business owner/single mother of two.
2. What's your dream occupation -- the one job you'd love to have if you weren't doing what you're doing now?
Although I don't know that I could hack this, the one thing I feel I am missing out on as a hard-working mother is spending more time with my children. If ever given the opportunity to live comfortably whilst simultaneously being a stay-at-home-mom/house wife, I think I'd really enjoy that. That said, I probably wouldn't be able to handle the lack of adult interaction that comes with that and would still dabble in photography, I just wouldn't be as busy.
3. Describe your first car and what you loved or hated most about it.
My first car was a Dodge Shadow, the only thing I didn't like about it as that my parents had been looking at a Z28 and then settled on this.... I went from cool to lame in about two seconds. However, I loved that I HAD a car... so I guess I couldn't complain.
4. Do you have hidden talents most people don't know about?
I don't think so? I think a lot of people know that I also sing and am a good fine arts artist as well as a photographer, these are basically the list of talents I have. I guess some people may not know that I write and had started a novel a couple years ago... so there's that.
5. What one accomplishment are you most proud of?
Surviving as a single mother who owns her own business. I could have never foreseen just how difficult this is and a lot of me struggled with finally opening up about this aspect of my life and revealing that everything I do in my life, I do alone. However, although it is not always an easy road... it's one that I am proud of myself for taking and still managing to make it this far with very little help from the outside world. I'm lucky in that I have a compassionate mother who had many of the same struggles I have faced, so I do have someone who is always there for me when I need them and that helps tremendously.
6. What mistake have you made that has taught you a lesson?
Pertaining to business: I've learned to take the high road. This is one of the biggest blessings that I have been given as a business owner. You learn that it is impossible to please everyone, but if you never stoop lower than a professional empathetic business woman... they can never take down your character.
7. What's the most unusual item in your desk drawer?
I.... don't have a desk. I used to work on a PC but now I do everything from a laptop. I got the laptop because I would spend copious amounts of time in my office and felt shut out from my family, so this way I can still work and enjoy their company simultaneously.
8. What's your favorite sports team and how far will you go to show your support?
.... I don't have a favorite sports team. But, my son is a Saints fan, so I'll root for them in his favor. I've just never really been the sports fan type, I always figured that when I settle down... if whoever that is with is a fan, I'll just support there team for them...so for now, I support the only man I have in my life: my son.
9. Share something funny or endearing about your pet.
Also don't have pets... wow, I sound so amazing right now. Haha.
10. What's your guilty pleasure?
Listening to 80's hair metal. Shhhhhh.... It's our secret. I LOVE Skid Row... Sabastian Bach was my very first crush. <3
11. How did people describe you in your high school yearbook?
Uhh... I got: "Most Opinionated" & "Teacher's Worst Nightmare" - I was a non-conformist of sorts in high school. Boy how we grow with age.
12. Who's your best friend and why?
I have a few best friends. My mother is probably at the top of that list, she's the person who is always there for me, listens to my endless ramblings, and gives the most sound advice. I also have friends who I have basically known my whole life who have become like sisters to me and then I have a few close friends that I have picked up over the years living in here in Iowa. They're all my closest friends because: we can discuss anything without judgment, we can be ourselves and not have to worry about what the other person will think of us. I have the most raw and genuine friends and I could not ask for a better group of people to have in my life.
13. What's on your Bucket List?
The farthest I have ever traveled outside the country is Canada - so I would love the opportunity to see the world eventually.
I want to also finish the book I started writing. One winter I sat down and wrote a really beautifully put together book, I say that not with narcissism but with confidence, occasionally I will go back and read what I wrote and even I am impressed with the way in which the characters had been developed. This is something that I know that I could succeed in if I really put the effort in to it and life is just simply too short not to go for it.
Other than that, I just want to live long and prosperous ... watch my family have families of their own and really feel like I did the most with the life that I was given. That's all a girl could really ask for.
Looking so forward to this couple's wedding in 2016!
Normally, overcasts can be really difficult to deal with but thankfully we had LOTS of open shade and it was one of those allusive bright overcasts, so I actually really love the look of their portraits as a result of the lighting we had to work with. What a fun couple! I had so much fun working with these two!
Thank you again for choosing Crystal Broussard Photography!
]]>What an amazing year! Thank you to all my fabulous couples!
It took every once of me not to work on the weekend I declared "no work" weekend, it had been SIX MONTHS since I had a full day off and I promised myself I would not work. ....So you know, I cleaned my whole house instead.
Creature of habit, what can I say?
Anyway, I am so happy I took this wedding. Melissa & Tim have been two of the kindest people to work with. I already feel like Melissa has become a friend through the process, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with her while she was planning the wedding and every meeting I have had with this couple has been great. One of the best feelings is working with truly genuinely good people & these two are definitely that!
Thank you again so much for choosing me to be a part of your day!
]]>Just a little note before I start this sneak peek. I'm trying out the blog on my website for the very first time, but as we know I used to show all my sneak peeks up on the blog. So we're going to see how this works out.
Dori & Lou
First, I want to say thank you so much for choosing me as your photographer! Admittedly, I was a bit nervous not having had the time to really become acquainted with you both, but it's clear to me that this was not a necessity in order to feel welcomed. I wish I had the time to write more, but just know that your wedding is one I will not soon forget. I loved everything about this event, the people, the location, literally everything! Wish you both nothing but happiness & I am genuinely looking forward to when I'll have finished your entire album for you.
But for now, here's a sneak peek:
(It says: "LouMom Getting Married)
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